Major highway closures ahead: Expect severe traffic delays and detours in coming weeks

Heads up, Dutch drivers: get ready to flex those patience muscles. In the coming weeks, major highways across the Netherlands are scheduled for extensive maintenance, bringing a string of closures, lengthy detours, and, you guessed it—severe delays. If smooth sailing is your thing, it may be time to rethink your commute plans. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to what the road ahead holds.

Widespread Maintenance Disruptions Announced

• The ANWB has announced that several key highway arteries will undergo major repairs in the weeks ahead.
• Entire sections of highways are set for temporary closure, not just the odd off-ramp here and there.
• The main routes impacted include the A9, A12, A16, A17, A27, and A73.
• Expect long-term works as well as a series of weekend shutdowns.

A Closer Look at the Closures

• A9: Weekend Woes for North Holland
  The A9, a famously busy route in North Holland, will see multiple weekend closures from 10 October until 15 December. The stretch affected is between Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht. Commuters heading towards Amsterdam and Diemen are warned: hefty delays are on the cards, with detours taking you via the A4 and A10.
• A12: Gouwe to Zoetermeer-Oost
  The A12 will face several weekend closures from 14 November to 1 December. This segment between Gouwe junction and Zoetermeer-Oost is getting fresh asphalt and viaduct maintenance. Those bound for The Hague need to prepare for detours through the A20 and A4.
• A16 and A17: Southern Troubles
  Simultaneous major works are happening on the A16 and A17 in the south. On the A16, between Ridderkerk and Terbregseplein, multiple weekend closures are set for September and October. Most notably, from 24 October (20:00) to 27 October (05:00), both main and parallel lanes toward Rotterdam will be entirely closed.
• A17: The Ten-Day Stretch
  If you thought the weekend interruptions were rough, the A17 says “hold my coffee.” Between Noordhoek and De Stok (Roosendaal), this route will be closed for a whopping ten days—from 10 October (21:00) to 20 October (05:00). Detours will, of course, be in place, though the source doesn’t specify which lucky parallel routes will host the influx of redirected traffic.
• A27: Central Headaches
  The A27 is up next, with several weekend closures scheduled between 11 and 20 October. Especially between Breda and Utrecht—most keenly felt around Gorinchem and Werkendam—drivers should brace for disruptions.
• A73: Marathon Closure towards Nijmegen
  The longest closure will be seen on the A73 towards Nijmegen. This road is locked down between the Nijmegen exit and the Ewijk junction until 17 October. The works are no small feat, covering everything from resurfacing the lanes to renewing safety barriers and noise walls.

Delays and Detours: What Drivers Can Expect

• The recurring theme? Significant delays. In particular, those driving on weekends can see their extra travel time balloon over an hour, so maybe bring a podcast (or three).
• Detours set in place will reroute traffic via alternative highways, such as the A4, A10, and A20, depending on the original route affected. Make sure to consult up-to-date travel information before setting out.

ANWB’s Advice: Be Prepared, Not Surprised

• The ANWB strongly advises drivers to plan their journey thoroughly before departure.
• Keep a keen eye on traffic updates—things can change rapidly on the roads during maintenance season.
• If you can, avoid peak hours; outside rush hour is always a better bet, especially with so many moving parts and orange cones.

The roadworks may try your patience, but they also promise safer, smoother highways in the future. Until then, pack your snacks, update your playlists, and channel your inner zen. Traffic may slow you down, but with a little planning, you can stay firmly in the driver’s seat—both literally and figuratively.