The maximum speed on three sections of Dutch motorways will be increased to 130 kilometres per hour during the day from next year.
Minister Barry Madlener of Infrastructure and Water Management announced this on Thursday. The decision is a first step in the plan to increase the speed on more routes, provided that this is feasible within the current regulations for nitrogen, noise pollution, air quality and traffic safety.
Research has shown that the increase is possible on three specific stretches of motorway. These are the A7 over the Afsluitdijk between the Stevinsluizen and Lorentzsluizen, the A7 between Winschoten and the border with Germany, and the A6 between Lelystad-Noord and the Ketelbrug. The aim is to implement the speed increase no later than the second quarter of 2025.
investigations completed
Earlier, the cabinet indicated that four sections were eligible for the increase in the maximum speed. The studies for three of these sections have now been completed and the increase appeared feasible. The fourth section, the A37 between the Holssloot interchange and the Zwartemeer junction, is still being studied. The results are expected in January.
According to Minister Madlener, the increase in the maximum speed is part of a broader approach to improve mobility in the Netherlands. "The government has set a clear goal: we need to drive 130 km/h again, where possible. With these routes, we are taking a first step and keeping up the pace. Next year, we will examine more routes to see where else we can drive 130," says Madlener.
future plans
For the A7 towards Germany, a larger section was initially considered for the speed increase. However, the study showed that this would lead to an exceedance of the noise standards. Therefore, the section was shortened to the current limit. Minister Madlener has indicated that, as soon as quiet asphalt is laid during major maintenance (planned for 2028-2032), the remaining section of the A7 could also possibly be adjusted to 130 km/h.
Now that the plans for the three routes have been announced, the consultation procedure will start. Residents and stakeholders can give their opinion on the proposed changes. After processing these responses, the traffic decisions will be finalized in the first quarter of 2025. Shortly thereafter, the new signs will be placed on the highways concerned.
mobility policy
The increase in the maximum speed fits within the Action Agenda Car, a broader package of measures with which the government responds to the challenges of mobility and infrastructure. Part of this is improving the accessibility of new housing locations, reducing traffic congestion and increasing traffic safety.
Currently, 70% of all kilometres travelled in the Netherlands are driven by car. The government wants to support this mobility by restarting construction projects that have been paused each year. Alternatives to the car are also being stimulated, such as car sharing, hubs for multimodal transport and the introduction of fast buses that can shorten the journey time.
council of state
This week, the Council of State made a ruling on internal balancing, which may influence the decision to increase the speed. The cabinet is currently studying the ruling to determine whether adjustments are needed in the plans.
The increase in the maximum speed on the three routes is an important step towards a future in which faster and more efficient travel on the motorway is possible. The government continues to seek the balance between mobility and the impact on the living environment, with more studies and decisions in prospect.
