As the NATO summit approaches, scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2025, in The Hague, local municipalities are bracing for significant traffic disruptions. Rijswijk, despite not being on the official routes for delegations, is expected to feel the impact as traffic patterns shift due to road closures and diversions in the surrounding areas.
The A44 highway towards The Hague, along with sections of the N44 and S200, will be closed during the summit, forcing traffic to reroute via the A4 and Utrechtsebaan. This diversion is likely to lead to increased congestion on local roads, particularly the Prinses Beatrixlaan and Haagweg in Rijswijk, as commuters look for alternative paths.
Local officials from the WIJ.Rijswijk party have raised concerns about the potential for increased traffic and its implications for emergency services. In a letter to the municipality, council members Tinus Kaffa and Danny van Dam emphasized the summit’s international significance and its expected repercussions on regional traffic. They inquired about specific traffic measures being implemented and whether emergency services would face delays due to the anticipated congestion.
In response, the municipality acknowledged the likelihood of more vehicles passing through Rijswijk but stated that no additional traffic measures were deemed necessary within the town's boundaries. However, they mentioned that 'prikbussen,' or shuttle buses, could be deployed in coordination with local transport authority HTM if congestion becomes severe.
Furthermore, the municipality has issued a negative travel advisory for the entire Randstad region, urging residents and commuters to work from home and avoid travel during peak hours. This advisory echoes similar measures taken during the Nuclear Security Summit in 2014, which resulted in a traffic reduction of 40 to 80 percent. The municipality has launched a comprehensive communication strategy to keep citizens informed about the summit's impact on local traffic conditions.
In addition to the traffic challenges, the summit has also affected driving exams in the region. Approximately 200 practical driving exams, particularly for B and BE licenses, have been relocated from Leiden due to the anticipated disruptions. However, moped exams will continue as planned since there are sufficient routes available for those tests.
The CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen), responsible for driving tests in the Netherlands, had initially assured that exams in the vicinity of The Hague would proceed as scheduled. Nevertheless, as traffic concerns escalated, they adjusted their plans to ensure candidates could complete their exams without undue delay. The CBR is advising individuals scheduled for theory exams in the Randstad during the summit week to check travel information closely and leave home early to avoid complications.
As part of its contingency plans, the CBR is organizing extra practical exams in Leiden both before and after the NATO summit to accommodate those who have had their tests postponed. Candidates will receive notifications detailing how to reschedule their exams effectively.
For those relying on public transportation, the NS (Dutch Railways) will maintain its regular service, although some lines in The Hague may experience minor delays due to road closures related to the summit. The majority of buses, trams, and metro services are also expected to operate as per their usual schedules, with only a few routes affected by the closures.
As the NATO summit draws near, local authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact on traffic and ensure that residents and commuters are well-informed. The focus remains on maintaining accessibility for emergency services while managing the influx of visitors and delegates expected in The Hague.
In summary, the NATO summit is set to bring significant traffic disruptions to the Randstad region, particularly affecting Rijswijk and Leiden. With the municipality urging residents to work from home and the CBR relocating driving exams, both local governments and institutions are striving to navigate the challenges posed by this international event. As the situation develops, timely communication and flexibility will be key in ensuring that the summit proceeds smoothly while minimizing disruptions to daily life.