Nelson Mandela Bridge
Mandela Bridge main elevator temporarily out of service
Update July 11, 2025
The Mandela Bridge main elevator on the United Nations Square side is out of service due to a malfunction. The malfunction may have been caused by an overload. The fire department had to help 3 people out of the elevator and had to smash a window in the process. In addition to the damage to the window, there is also usage damage. Engineers examined the elevator and parts were ordered to fix it. However, the delivery time of the parts is several weeks, so the elevator is out of service for the time being.
Alternative elevator
Until the main elevator is working again, you can use the spare elevator or escalator on this side of the bridge. This elevator is a bit smaller so, for example, cargo bikes don't fit and have to detour. We will do our best to get the elevator working again as soon as possible.
We communicate information about the Mandela Bridge elevators on this web page(zoetermeer.nl/mandelabrug).
To ask
We understand that you may still have questions. We have listed the answers to the most frequently asked questions:
Repair Nelson Mandela Bridge
Update July 21, 2025
Zoetermeer has a new plan for the future of the station area. The college is proposing to the city council to renovate the Nelson Mandela Bridge. The Nelson Mandela Bridge is a crucial connection for pedestrians and cyclists between Rokkeveen and the center of Zoetermeer. When the City Council approves the proposal, preparations for a thorough renovation will begin. There will be an implementation plan for reinforcing the supporting structure. For the canopy, it will be examined whether it can be repaired or whether a new design is needed. The redesign of access and forecourt on both sides of the bridge and the technical installations, such as the elevators, are being examined. This renewal should not only ensure safety, but also contribute to a pleasant and accessible station environment.
New bicycle and pedestrian bridge
There will also be a new connection for slow traffic. The bicycle and pedestrian viaduct will run parallel to the Afrikaweg and form a direct and safe route across the A12, the rails and the Zuidweg. The connection connects to the regional bicycle network and contributes to the accessibility between the neighborhoods north of the A12 and Rokkeveen.
The main bicycle route is over the new viaduct and no longer via the Nelson Mandela Bridge. The new bridge is also an alternative for people with disabilities to cross the A12 and the tracks when the Nelson Mandela Bridge elevators are out of service.
The plan is expected to be discussed by the City Council in September 2025.
Previous posts
Work winter 2022/2023
After being closed for 55 days, the Nelson Mandela Bridge has been open to pedestrians and cyclists since 26 January 2023. The Zoetermeer railway station and the Driemanspolder RandstadRail stop are also back in use. The bridge was closed due to work to make the bridge structurally safe. An important moment was the replacement of the bridge section above the A12 motorway on 29 December 2022.