Merwede Bridge Closed to Freight Traffic Indefinitely Due to Weakened Steel
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Merwede Bridge Turns Out to Be Unsafe – for the Second Time – and Is Closing to Freight Traffic.
During preparatory work for a planned replacement of the bridge near Gorinchem, Rijkswaterstaat discovered that the arch structure is weaker than expected. The road authority can no longer guarantee safety without measures.
The Merwede Bridge on the A27 will close to all freight traffic indefinitely this afternoon at 5:30 PM. According to Rijkswaterstaat, the steel is weaker in several places than previously thought. Therefore, the safety of the bridge near Gorinchem can no longer be guaranteed. Due to the pressure of heavy traffic, there is a risk that the steel plates of the Merwede Bridge's arch will deform, which could have consequences for the structure. The…
The Merwede Bridge on the A27 near Gorinchem has been closed to trucks with immediate effect because the bridge structure is unsafe. This was reported by Rijkswaterstaat. Ten years ago, trucks were also prohibited from crossing the bridge for months; approximately 18,000 cross it daily.
Freight traffic is no longer permitted to cross the Merwede Bridge near Gorinchem from late Saturday afternoon. According to Rijkswaterstaat, research has shown that the arch structure of the bridge, which carries the A27 motorway, is weaker at several locations than previously assumed. Therefore, a ban on freight traffic on the bridge applies from 5:30 PM.
bd.nl
The Merwede Bridge near Gorinchem was closed to freight traffic today, and this is not the first time. Almost ten years ago, the bridge was also closed. Professors concluded at the time that the bridge had ‘nearly collapsed’. The fact that things have gone wrong again does not surprise them.
Rijkswaterstaat is introducing a truck ban after research showed that the steel is less strong than expected at several locations in the arch of the bridge. As a result, Rijkswaterstaat can no longer guarantee the structural safety of the bridge for heavy traffic. That is why, starting on Saturday evening, at 5.30 p.m., a ban on freight traffic on the Merwede Bridge will apply.
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