Questions and answers about the Mandela Bridge lifts
How do I know if the elevators are working?
Please visit zoetermeer.nl/mandelabrug for the most up-to-date situation known to us.
Which elevators were involved?
Until October 17, 2024, the large central elevators between the escalators were broken, both on Boerhaavelaan, United Nations Square and the small elevator on the right side of the central entrance at United Nations Square.
Are the broken elevators related to the removed section of the bridge at the end of 2023?
No, there is no relationship between the faults in the elevators and the removed bridge section. The faults are related to the use of the elevators and sometimes to vandalism.
How many outages have there been?
Every malfunction is one too many. From January 1, 2024 to October 17, 2024, there have been 14 reports of malfunctions on the Rokkeveen side and 20 on the Boerhaavelaan side. It has happened twice that 2 elevators on one side do not work.
Why are the elevators broken so often?
Elevators in public spaces appear to be very vulnerable. Sometimes due to accidents and sometimes due to vandalism. Also when the intercom does not work (and that happens) the elevator is declared unsafe. In the latter case we ensure that a traffic controller helps people.
Why aren't the elevators fixed on the same day?
The aim is to have the lift working properly and safely again the same day. If parts are broken, they have to be ordered and delivered. That sometimes takes a while. Since the failures in October, we have kept the most sensitive parts in reserve so that we can act quickly.
What does the municipality do to help residents reach their destination?
In principle, the escalator offers a good alternative for many people. When both elevators on one side of the bridge are out of order, we ensure that people in wheelchairs are taken to the other side of the A12 by taxi. Unfortunately, this is not possible for mobility scooter users. They must then take a temporary detour. When the elevator intercom is broken, the municipality ensures that someone is at the elevator to help and guide people.
What alternative routes can I use to get to the other side of the highway?
Alternative routes to get to the other side of the Nelson Mandela Bridge include the Balij Bridge or the Wethouder Jenné Tunnel.
When is the municipality going to do something about the bridge?
Errors had been found in the construction of 'the old' Nelson Mandela Bridge. Municipality of Zoetermeer immediately secured the bridge so that everyone can use it safely again. Whether the intermediate section of the old Mandela Bridge will be put back into use is still under investigation. The decision on this will be included in the redevelopment of the station area. This will also include looking at constructions that make a lift unnecessary.