Delicious Existence
The over 5 kilometer long Zeeland Bridge across the Eastern Scheldt will always remain standing, even if a new bridge or tunnel comes in ten to fifteen years. Deputy Harry van der Maas said this during a symposium at the provincial hall in Middelburg about the future of the sixty-year-old connection between Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland.
“Whatever decision we make: this bridge is a monument and you must not demolish a monument. So the Zeeland Bridge will always remain here,” said the SGP administrator. “The bridge is more than concrete, steel and asphalt; it is a symbol of connection and an important link in the lives of the Zeelanders and for our economy. But by now it is also an icon with concerns.”
The bridge, opened in 1965, is approaching the end of its lifespan. The province of Zeeland, as owner, spends 1.5 million euros annually on maintenance. Mainly for repairing the concrete, which is damaged by the salt water. Moreover, much more and much heavier traffic now drives over the bridge than the structure was designed for. “It will be quite a challenge to be able to use the bridge safely for another fifteen years,” said Van der Maas, who knows that replacement is necessary between 2035 and 2040.
At the symposium, organized by JA21, the possibilities were philosophized about. Building a new bridge, a tunnel or perhaps a dam? In that case, a separation between salt and fresh water would arise in the Eastern Scheldt, with major consequences for nature and fisheries, among other things. “Whatever it becomes: we know that the construction of a new shore connection takes many years. That’s why we must already start thinking, designing and coordinating now,” said Van der Maas.
The deputy has already approached the national government for financing. “Because we as a province can never bear this alone.” Van der Maas spoke with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management on Monday. “We are trying to conduct research with the national government, make agreements and share the financing together. Because let’s be honest: the N256 is a regional connection, but by now actually a national traffic artery. Somehow we missed an exit, this should have been a national highway long ago.”
None of the speakers dared to estimate the costs of a new shore connection. Director Martijn Smitt of construction company Ballast Nedam, which built the Zeeland Bridge for 65 million guilders, did say that a tunnel costs between 400,000 euros and 1 million per meter.