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.

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.