In the weekly update we look back at the traffic situation and the work.
Traffic picture
We look back on good first days of Operation Ring South. The weekend went well and that also applies to the first half of the working week. Things are going better than we expected. We would like to thank everyone who has adjusted their behavior. Together we keep Groningen accessible. This prosperous start does not guarantee anything for the coming months. The beautiful (cycling) weather undoubtedly helped during the first days.
We do see that it is very busy on the N355 from Zuidhorn, on Stationsweg and on Laan Corpus den Hoorn, around the Martini Hospital. We call on motorists who do not need to be in the vicinity of the Martini Hospital or Main Station to follow the official diversion routes. Traffic flows better on Ring East, North and West – there is more capacity there – than on Laan Corpus den Hoorn. The route via the other ring roads is therefore often faster and emergency services and public transport are not hindered.
We also note that the new exit at Leonard Springerlaan (Martiniplaza) is not yet known to everyone. This can now be found in Google Maps and we have communicated further about this. This may also provide relief for Laan Corpus den Hoorn.
Progress of work
In phase 1 (22-25 March), the temporary Julianaplein was converted and two temporary roads were constructed: for traffic from Assen to Hoogezand and vice versa.
On Friday evening, March 22, the contractor removed the barriers (low walls) and road markings after closing off the road. The traffic lights on Julianaplein were removed for good on Saturday. The contractor also removed redundant portals and blue signs. On Sunday, the asphalt was milled away between the Juliana Bridge and the temporary Julianaplein. New barriers have been placed for the temporary roads. Despite the rain, the work was completed as planned.
Phase 2 (March 25 – April 26) started on Monday, March 25. At Julianaplein the focus is first on the connection from Drachten to Assen. This week, reinforced soil and the sand track will be installed. The decks of the temporary Juliana Bridge (the orange retro bridge) are being removed, partly at night. The steelwork and tubular piles of the temporary bridge are then removed, as well as the temporary fender work in the water. Six piles were driven on Tuesday for the future portals.
This week, work is underway to remove the existing road construction between Julianaplein and Vrijheidsplein. On the north side of the viaduct over the Paterswoldseweg, the contractor is working on the paver barriers, which are partly demolished and partly newly installed.
The work of phase 1 is depicted in our photo album.
Weekly update
The weekly update is a joint publication of Groningen Bereikbaar and Aanpak Ring Zuid and appears every Thursday. The updates can be found in our library.
