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Delays to bridge and lock renewals could cost the Dutch economy €20 billion by 2035, a construction research institute estimates, as it warns of a major funding gap.
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The Economic Institute for Construction (EIB) estimates that delays in renewing Dutch bridges and locks will impose €20 billion in economic costs by 2035 without further policy action. The figure covers existing and expected closures and restrictions on road and water traffic, including the cost of diversions. [1]
The institute says two-thirds of the funding needed to replace and renovate bridges, viaducts and locks through 2030 is currently missing. That could delay essential work and prolong restrictions on their use. [1]
Three steel bridges on major routes account for a substantial share of the projected costs, the EIB says: the Merwedebrug, the Suurhoffbrug and, potentially within the next few years, the Van Brienenoordbrug. It estimates that starting replacement work on time could have avoided €5 billion in costs. Lorries have been barred from the Merwedebrug for several months; the EIB estimates its traffic restrictions cost €1.9 million a day. [1]
The institute also identifies 30 concrete bridges and viaducts whose lives could be extended for several years through temporary measures. At current funding levels, it says, only a quarter could be replaced on time, leaving a projected €15 billion in economic costs from delays to the rest. [1]
The EIB is calling for more funding and says stricter selection of projects by economic return, alongside fewer requirements, could make existing budgets go further. Separately, it estimates that investing more than €6 billion in 19 paused new-infrastructure projects could yield €9 billion to €12 billion in economic benefits. [1]
1 listed sources · explore evidence, limitations and provenance.
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