Ice From Leaking Tunnel Joints Forces Closures and Detours on Dutch Roads

Overview

• Rijkswaterstaat reports icy patches in or near multiple tunnels after water leaked past contracted joints and froze on road surfaces.
• The N31 at Harlingen toward the Afsluitdijk is closed, with traffic diverted via Midlum and Kimswerd after a large ice sheet formed in the tunnel trough.
• On the A28 near Hoogeveen, recurring high groundwater pressure is causing ice, sending traffic from Assen via the N375 and the opposite direction through Hoogeveen.
• One of four lanes toward The Hague is unavailable on the A12 at the Gouwe aquaduct, and the Corbulotunnel on the N434 near Leiden is also affected.
• Rijkswaterstaat is gritting and deploying the Firestorm vehicle, which sprays a 60–70°C salt solution to melt ice, with broader groundwater and joint work planned for spring.