A12 closed next week: here’s what you need to know

Why is the A12 out?

The A12 between the Maanderbroek interchange and the Lunetten interchange is due for a facelift. The asphalt has had its day and is being replaced by quieter asphalt. Good news for people who live nearby: this will save some decibels. But to realize this, the road has to be taken out completely. Not for a weekend, but for the full nine days. Not only the asphalt receives attention. Also think about guard rails, lighting, signs, greenery along the side and even fauna passages. So the A12 is getting a major facelift.

Travel time

If you do decide to take your car to Utrecht during the closure, please take extra travel time into account. By ‘extra’ Rijkswaterstaat means: one hour longer on the road. At least. That is at best… Traffic jams, detours and navigation systems that want to guide you through village centers included.

What can you do?  

The Department of Public Works is calling for people to stay away from their cars. Work at home, consult digitally, plan vacations, take an e-bike, or take the train. They have even created a reward program: the Smart Travel Challenge. With this you save points for nice things (such as coffee, a bicycle apk or even a temporary train ticket) if you leave the car behind.

Smart detour?  

Those who do need to get out and about: follow the official detour routes. Shortcuts have been closed to avoid inconvenience in residential areas. Besides: if everyone chooses the same “smart” alternative, it will just be jammed there too.

This is just the beginning

The closure from May 9 to 19 is only the first half of the maintenance party. In August (from Aug. 22 to Sept. 1), it will be the other direction of travel.  

As if this were not enough disruption, other highways are also being worked on in May. Such as the A27 (towards Utrecht), the A1 near Diemen and the A2 between Maarssen and Oudenrijn. In short: the Central Netherlands region is less accessible in May.

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