The Netherlands has banned trucks from the A27 bridge. The restriction applies indefinitely
Since 18 July, trucks have not been allowed to use the Merwedebrug bridge on the A27 motorway in Gorinchem. The reason is weakened elements of the steel structure, and heavy goods traffic has been redirected to alternative routes via the A15, A16, A59 or A2.
From 18 July 2026 at 17:30, a ban on truck traffic has been in force on the Merwedebrug bridge on the A27 motorway in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. The restriction was introduced after inspections revealed that the steel arch structure of the bridge is weaker in several locations than previously assumed. The ban remains in place indefinitely.
The decision to exclude heavy goods vehicles was taken by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch road infrastructure authority. According to the inspections carried out, the current condition of the steel elements does not allow the structural safety of the bridge to be guaranteed under the loads generated by heavy vehicles.
The ban applies to all trucks. Heavy goods traffic must use designated alternative routes:
• A15 - A16 - A59,
• A15 - A2 - A59.
Vehicles transporting dangerous goods have been directed via the A2 route.
Rijkswaterstaat warns that increased traffic on the diversion routes may lead to longer journey times. The situation is also affected by roadworks in the region, including works near the Papendrechtsebrug bridge. The Merwedebrug bridge has not been completely closed. Passenger cars, motorcycles, vans, public transport buses and emergency services can continue to use the crossing. The exception for public transport and emergency services is intended to maintain basic regional accessibility while reducing the load on the structure.
The truck ban was introduced following additional analyses of the bridge’s arch structure. The inspections showed that the steel in several locations has lower strength than previously assumed. Under heavy loads, the arch could become overloaded, potentially causing deformation of the steel plates forming the structure. According to Rijkswaterstaat, this could affect the safety of the entire bridge.
