The Algerabrug between Krimpen aan den IJssel and Capelle aan den IJssel has been closed since overnight for major maintenance. Cars, trucks and buses must take detours for the next four weeks, a route that can easily add an hour to travel times, AD reports.

Rijkswaterstaat described the work on the 1958 bridge as “urgent and necessary major maintenance.” Crews are focusing primarily on the bridge leaf—the movable section that opens for shipping. The steel structure is being overhauled and some components replaced. Asphalt is also being renewed on the rest of the bridge.

The span carries about 47,000 vehicles a day. It sits near the point where the Hollandsche IJssel meets the Nieuwe Maas and serves as the only direct link between the Krimpenerwaard and the Rotterdam region. With the bridge closed, drivers face lengthy detours.

Cyclists and pedestrians have had access to a temporary bridge for the past three weeks.

The project is one of several large maintenance efforts Rijkswaterstaat is carrying out this summer. Sections of highways, including the A1 and A27, are also closed for weeks during the vacation period for similar major work.

About 30-40 km away, the Merwedebrug on the A27 near Gorinchem has been closed to trucks and coaches since July 18 after inspections found the steel in its arch structure weaker than expected. Cars and regular buses remain allowed. By the end of July, authorities had already issued nearly 100 fines of about 500 euros each to drivers who ignored the ban.