Planning

Week 19 to December 25, 2022

  • Install support bridge section above Zuidweg
  • Remove part of the glass from the canopy above highway A12
  • Install 300 m of cable tunnel under the bridge for the fiber optic cable that ran across the bridge
  • set up area next to the highway where the bridge section will be laid down and taken apart.

Week Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023

  • section of highway A12 closed between Tuesday, December 27, 10 p.m. to Saturday morning, December 31, 8 a.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 29: removal of bridge section above A12
  • Thursday, Dec. 29: replace temporary bridge section above A12

Week Jan. 2 through Jan. 8, 2023

  • Work to support the bridge
  • Removal of artwork from bridge
  • Cap removal from removed bridge section

Week Jan. 9 to Jan. 15, 2023

  • Work to support the bridge

Week Jan. 16 to Jan. 22, 2023

  • Work to support the bridge
  • Construction of the ramps on the bridge

Week Jan. 23 to Jan. 29, 2023

  • Work to support the bridge
  • Work on the bridge including ramps and lighting
  • Jan. 26: opening of the bridge at 7 p.m.

As of Jan. 30, 2023

The work is expected to be completed during February. This involves the final work on the bridge support, clearing the work site and adjusting the Zuidweg. In March, the Nootdorpsepad bicycle path will be able to be put back into use.

When will the bridge and station be open again?

On Thursday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m., the Nelson Mandela Bridge will open for pedestrians and cyclists. NS trains will then also stop at Zoetermeer station again. From Friday, January 27, RandstadRail will again stop at the Driemanspolder stop.

What happens next?

After taking these measures, the bridge will be safe for the coming period. Meanwhile, we are working out the plans that have been in place for some time for a new bicycle bridge and bus stops above the A12 making it a better public transport hub. The new bicycle bridge can also be used temporarily by pedestrians and temporarily connected to the station. This will be completed in three years according to the current schedule. After that, the Nelson Mandela Bridge can be renovated to serve pedestrians and as a station concourse.