Rotterdam’s new A16 motorway opens in October

ROTTERDAM, 30 September 2025 – After six years of work, the new A16 motorway at the northern edge of Rotterdam is set to open in October. The road, including the Rottemerentunnel, will relieve traffic pressure on the A13 and A20 and improve connections to Dordrecht, Breda, Delft and The Hague.

Official opening and traffic schedule

Minister of Infrastructure Robert Tieman symbolically opened the road today. From Monday 6 October at 05.00, traffic can use the A16 Rotterdam towards Dordrecht and Breda. The direction towards Delft and The Hague will open later in the month, on 27 October at 05.00.

Ahead of these dates, existing routes will close briefly for connection works. The A13 and A16 will each shut for a weekend: 3–6 October and 24–27 October.

Design and features

The A16 Rotterdam runs for 11 kilometres, linking the A13 near Rotterdam The Hague Airport with the A16 at Terbregseplein. A key feature is the 2.2 kilometre Rottemerentunnel, which passes beneath the Lage Bergse Bos nature area and the River Rotte. The road also crosses the Bleiswijkse Vaart and three railway lines: RandstadRail, HSL-Zuid and the Rotterdam–Utrecht line.

The road includes junctions at Vliegveldweg, N471 (Doenkade), Ankie Verbeek-Ohrlaan, Terbregseweg and Hoofdweg. It provides two lanes in each direction, with three lanes on the busiest section between the N471 and the Ankie Verbeek-Ohrlaan. The speed limit is set at 100 km/h.

Impact on traffic and neighbourhoods

The motorway is expected to improve traffic flow in and around Rotterdam, reducing congestion on the A13 at Overschie and the A20 between Kleinpolderplein and Terbregseplein. Locally, it should reduce through-traffic in Hillegersberg, Terbregge, Ommoord and Overschie, contributing to better air quality and liveability.

Regional contributions funded features to minimise environmental impact, such as the semi-sunken land tunnel, noise barriers, quiet asphalt and new cycling infrastructure. Nature routes were preserved and the Lage Bergse Bos was upgraded to improve accessibility for visitors.

Rotterdam’s new A16 motorway opens in October

Sustainability

The A16 Rotterdam is the first Dutch motorway with a tunnel designed to be energy neutral. Three solar fields supply all electricity needed for tunnel and road systems, including lighting and safety installations. Excess energy is stored in batteries for use when sunlight is limited.

During construction, older materials such as crash barriers and road signs were reused, while electric machinery and sustainable fuels helped cut CO₂ emissions.

Open day for residents

On Saturday 27 September, before traffic was allowed, 15,000 visitors explored the new road during an open festival. Residents could walk or cycle through the Rottemerentunnel, join an audio tour, visit the temporary tunnel museum and enjoy performances by local groups. Special thanks were given to nearby residents for their patience during years of construction.