Doubling of the N371 at Kloosterveen is not necessary until 2040. The province is continuing to work on less drastic plans

This means that this controversial intervention in the road seems to be out of the question at least for the time being. However, the province and the municipality of Assen have not yet made a final decision on this. The N371 is an extension of the Balkenweg in Assen and leads to Bovensmilde.

Additional noise pollution

The doubling of the road would take place at the Kloosterveen roundabout. This would be necessary to allow traffic to move faster. The province and the municipality presented the plan about a year ago as a ‘sketch design’. It caused quite a stir among local residents. They feared, among other things, additional noise pollution and dangerous situations because people would drive faster.

The province commissioned further research into the usefulness and necessity of doubling. This showed that the current single lanes will have sufficient capacity for the next fifteen years, according to a spokesperson.

Together with local residents and traffic experts, the province and municipality are looking at other solutions to improve the flow of cars on the N371. Aspects such as noise pollution and consequences for the landscape and nature are also discussed. The planners will develop different variants so that the best solution can ultimately be chosen.

Two variants that local residents themselves came up with to improve the flow on the N371 are also discussed.

Safely to the Baggelhuizerplas

Furthermore, attention is paid to a safe crossing of the N371 for cyclists and pedestrians between Kloosterveen and Baggelhuizen. Many residents use that crossing to get to the Baggelhuizerplas recreational area. They were disappointed that the crossing would be canceled in the original plans. The province now appears to want to maintain that crossing, but according to the spokesperson it is not yet clear what it will look like in the future.

The redesign of the N371 is part of a larger plan for the entire area on the west side of Assen. This also concerns the road along the Norgervaart towards Norg. Another important part is the replacement of the Norgerbrug, which is located in the municipality of Midden-Drenthe.

Solution for narrow bridge

This bridge is worn out and too narrow for the large number of vehicles that cross it. A design has been made for a new and wider bridge. This incorporates a design from local residents. They particularly asked for attention to be paid to the design of the bridge. The province will soon hold an information meeting about the new Norger Bridge, but a date has not yet been announced. The organizers do not yet have all the information about the start of construction and other practical matters in order.