Gradual expansion Dutch road network

Total length of the Dutch road network increased by nearly 850 kilometres in 2004 to over 134 thousand kilometres, more than three times earth’s circumference. Road expansion is mainly realised in new housing estates. The national waterway network covers almost 6, 200 kilometres in 2005.

Emphasis on road expansion in the Randstad area

Total length of the Dutch road network increased 2.9 percent in four years, notably in municipalities with many building activities underway. In the municipalities of Bergschenhoek and Berkel en Rodenrijs the length of the local road network was extended by no less than 20 percent the period 2001 - 2005. In various municipalities, such as Haarlemmermeer, Almere and Amersfoort road length increased by 10 percent or more. Haarlemmermeer saw its network of roads being extended by more than 100 kilometres in four years.

Increase total road length per municipality, 2001-2005

Increase total road length per municipality, 2001-2005

Small expansion network of national roads

New roads in recently constructed housing estates contribute markedly to the extension of the Dutch road system. The network of national roads expanded marginally by only 10 kilometres in 2004 to almost 3, 270 kilometres of carriageways. In 2004 stretches of the A30 (near the municipality of Ede) and the N11 (Alphen aan den Rijn - Bodegraven) were made accessible to the public. Total length of provincial roads even declined by almost 60 kilometres to 7, 740 kilometres, as management and maintenance of nearly all these roads shifted from provincial to municipal authorities.

Waterways by type of waterway, 2005

Waterways by type of waterway, 2005

Waterway system

Length of the Dutch waterway system totalled nearly 6, 200 kilometres in 2005. Approximately one quarter is mainly suitable for recreational purposes. Another quarter only allows ships whose loading capacity do not exceed 1, 000 tons. Half of Dutch waterways are accessible to ships exceeding 1, 000 tons, such as push-towing units and large river barges.

Waterway system by tonnage, 2005

Waterway system by tonnage, 2005

Joost Bakker