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Introduction
The Ravelijn Bridge is intended to serve as a through route across the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk, roughly at the Koopvaardersschutsluis. The Ravelijn Bridge will allow us to better separate traffic flows in Den Helder. People heading to different destinations—such as the naval port, the civilian port, and TESO—currently all travel together on the N250 through the city. This is causing an increasing number of problems.
With the Ravelijn Bridge (referred to in the administrative agreement as the “bridge over the Koopvaardersbinnenhaven”), some of the traffic will turn off earlier and cross the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk toward the harbor. As a result, less traffic will need to pass through the city center, leading to fewer traffic jams. Texel, the naval port, and the commercial port will become more accessible. But the most important aspect of the Ravelijn Bridge is quality of life, which will improve significantly by reducing the number of traffic jams.
In the current situation, not only traffic heading to the city center but also traffic heading to the naval port, the civilian port, and the ferry to Texel all travel along the N250 through the city. This is causing an increasing number of problems. A bridge over the Koopvaardersbinnenhaven (Ravelijn Bridge) could serve as a through route across the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk, roughly at the level of the Koopvaardersschutsluis. The Ravelijn Bridge would allow us to better separate traffic flows in Den Helder. The most promising location for a new bridge connection is currently being evaluated.
Understanding the benefits
With the Ravelijn Bridge, some of the traffic will turn off earlier and follow the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk toward the harbor. As a result, less traffic will pass through the city center, leading to fewer traffic jams. Texel, as well as the naval and civilian harbors, will become more accessible. But the most important aspect of the Ravelijn Bridge is the city’s quality of life, which will improve significantly by reducing the number of traffic jams.
- Improved traffic flow toward the port and Texel
- Less Traffic and Fewer Traffic Jams in the City Center
- Improved accessibility for residents and businesses
- Enhances the quality of life and appeal of Den Helder
Project Manager for the Ravelijn Bridge
The Ravelijn Bridge will reduce traffic in the city center, improve access to the port and Texel, and make the city a more pleasant and livable place.
Cris Nielen
News
Project Planning
Overview of the Parties Involved
Research
Appendices to the Ravelijn Bridge Site Study:
- A1 Decision-Making Framework for the Ravelijn Bridge - June 2025 (PDF)
- A10 TNO Munitions Zones BK2203 Ravelijn Bridge (pdf)
- A11 Coordination: Nautical BK2203 Ravelijn Bridge (pdf)
- A12 Sweco Model Calculations Results, April 25, 2025 (PDF)
- A2 PvE HK-MI-RDI-BK2203-PvE Ravelijn Bridge (pdf)
- A3-1 Preliminary Design for Location 7 (PDF)
- A3-2 Preliminary Design for Location 8 (PDF)
- A3-3 Preliminary Design for Location 12 (PDF)
- A4 Relative Cost Comparison, Version 3: Ravelijn Bridge (PDF)
- A5 Nautical BK2203 Ravelijn Bridge (pdf)
- A6 Traffic BK2203 Ravelijn Bridge (pdf)
- A7 Spatial BK2203 Ravelijn Bridge (pdf)
- A8 Procedures and Impacts BK2203 Ravelijn Bridge (pdf)
- A9 Technical BK2203 Ravelijn Bridge (pdf)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions that we receive on a regular basis.
The Ravelijn Bridge is a new movable bridge spanning the Koopvaarders Inner Harbor, near the Koopvaarders Lock. The bridge is part of a through route along the Nieuwe Diep/Nieuwe Werk toward the harbor and helps to separate the various traffic flows in Den Helder.
Traffic heading toward the naval port, the civilian port, and the TESO ferry terminal now all travels through the city via the N250, causing congestion and traffic jams. With the Ravelijn Bridge, some of the traffic will be able to turn off toward the port sooner. This will reduce traffic in the city center and improve traffic flow.
- Less traffic and congestion in the center
- Better accessibility to the port and Texel
- Improved quality of life and a more attractive city
The project is part of the Administrative Agreement on the Development of the Maritime Cluster, a collaboration between the Province of North Holland, the Municipality of Den Helder, and the Ministry of Defense. The Province of North Holland is leading the project. The Port of Den Helder and the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board are also involved.
The province is currently investigating the most promising location for the bridge. The intention is to determine a preferred location in the first quarter of 2026.
Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders can share their ideas through information sessions and online participation at ingesprek.denhelder.nl.
During these sessions, studies and preliminary designs will be presented, and feedback can be provided. All input will be taken into account as the plans are further developed.
The Specifications for the Ravelijn Bridge now include a clearance height of 4.05 meters. Above all, this means that the bridge will open to allow all passing sailboats to pass through.
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