As of May 9, 2025, significant roadworks are set to disrupt traffic in and around Amsterdam, particularly during the peak months from May to October. These extensive maintenance efforts are expected to result in delays of 30 to 60 minutes for motorists, as various routes will be affected by closures and detours.
The Rijkswaterstaat agency has announced that the A1 highway will be closed from the Watergraafsmeer junction to the Diemen junction starting Friday evening, May 9, at 22:00, and will remain closed until May 26 at 05:00. This closure is part of a major maintenance initiative that includes replacing asphalt and repairing noise barriers. During this period, traffic will be diverted via the A2 and A9, with the expectation of considerable delays.
According to traffic manager Niels van den Brink from Rijkswaterstaat, "Travel times could increase by up to an hour extra, above the regular travel time." This warning underscores the potential for significant congestion as commuters adjust to the changes.
In addition to the A1 closure, several on- and off-ramps will also be temporarily shut down. Specifically, the S111 on-ramp towards Almere and the S112 off-ramp towards Bijlmermeer will be closed, as well as the exit S111 from the A2 coming from Amsterdam. The S111 exit from the A2 coming from Utrecht and the A9 from Badhoevedorp will remain open, providing some alternative routes for drivers.
As construction began on May 8, the detour routes were established to help manage the expected traffic flow. The changeover lane from Almere to Amsterdam is also closed for maintenance, although the opposite lane remains open to accommodate additional traffic heading towards the A1 and A6.
These roadworks are just the beginning of a series of maintenance activities planned throughout the region. Various projects are scheduled to continue until early October 2025, leading to ongoing road closures and traffic disruptions. Major events, including the NATO summit, will further complicate travel in the Randstad area, which encompasses Amsterdam and The Hague.
Looking ahead, another significant closure is planned for the A4 highway from the Badhoevedorp junction to the A10 Watergraafsmeer. This closure will take place from June 26 to July 12, 2025, as construction crews work on a support point for a fly-over and replace asphalt near Amsterdam Zuid station. Similar delays of 30 to 60 minutes are anticipated during this period.
Moreover, the second Coentunnel will be closed from July 12 to September 15, 2025, as Rijkswaterstaat conducts essential maintenance on the tunnel tube that serves traffic heading towards Zaanstad and Amsterdam-Noord. This closure will also result in extended delays on the A10.
In light of these ongoing disruptions, officials are urging motorists to plan their journeys in advance. The Rijkswaterstaat website offers detailed information on traffic options, including possible discounts for alternative transportation. For immediate inquiries about routes during the closures, travelers can utilize the WhatsApp service Ask&Go for real-time assistance.
As the city prepares for its 750th anniversary celebration on June 21, 2025, festivities are expected to cause further traffic impacts, particularly around the A10 ring road, which will experience partial closures that weekend.
In summary, the upcoming months will present considerable challenges for drivers in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas. With multiple roadworks and major events coinciding, commuters are advised to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly to minimize delays.