Sebastiaansbrug out of use for a year

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The scheduling of the construction work is as follows:

• This spring preparatory work will begin on the Mijnbouwplein (the tram rails will be done later).

• From summer 2018 to summer 2019, the Sebastiaansbrug will be out of use.

• From summer 2018 to spring 2019, Mijnbouwstraat Oost and Poortlandplein will be rearranged so that everything should be finalised by the end of summer 2019.

• From summer 2019 to early 2020, the tramway on the bridge, cables and catenaries will be constructed.

• From spring 2020, tram 19 can travel to Technopolis.

Residents of the Zeeheldenbuurt continue to insist on two changes to the traffic plan. Firstly, they want one-way bicycle paths on both sides of the Mijnbouwplein instead of one two-way bicycle path. The municipality does not agree because there are two-way bicycle paths on the west side of the street and tram rails along the rest of the north-south axis. According to the municipality, cyclists would ignore one-way lanes at the Mijnbouwplein and cycle against traffic.

Secondly, the residents insist on finding a solution for motorists wanting to turn left from the Mijnbouwstraat towards the bridge. The municipality wants to drop this option because its external research shows that traffic flow and traffic safety measures for turning left cannot be guaranteed. From now on car traffic has to leave the district via Zuidplantsoen and Jaffalaan or via Julianalaan-West.

Currently, it is difficult to leave the district by car because of the large and increasing numbers of cyclists at Jaffalaan and Michiel de Ruyterweg who have priority. To remedy this in the short term, a pilot was started on Monday, January 15^th using a temporary traffic light at the Jaffalaan – Rotterdamseweg junction.

A pilot was started on Monday, January 15th using a temporary traffic light at the Jaffalaan – Rotterdamseweg junction. (Photo: Connie van Uffelen)

Traffic controllers will be available during the first two weeks of the pilot during the morning and evening rush hours to help road users adapt to the new situation. Among the issues to be investigated during the pilot are waiting times and road safety. In May, the decision will be taken whether the traffic light will be permanent.

Furthermore, this month a working group will be set up comprising representatives of TU Delft, the municipality and residents. This group must come up with smart solutions for the traffic infarction towards the university before April 1^st. The goal is to work out solutions before summer. Those interested can register for the workshops.

The municipality will no longer accept changes unless an idea emerges from the workshops that is an agreed improvement that does not delay the project. If the idea is acceptable but does cause delays, it may only be executed after delivery of the bridge.