Drivers warned to expect busy roads during the long Ascension Day weekend

The ANWB is expecting busy roads on Wednesday evening due to the start of a long Ascension Day weekend. Last year, there were over 1,000 kilometers of traffic on the night before Ascension Day, known as Hemelvaart in the Netherlands. It won't be quite as busy on Wednesday, the ANWB predicted, because many people are already celebrating the May vacation period.

Most traffic will be on Utrecht's roads on Wednesday, heading south and toward the Veluwe. It will also be busy near Arnhem, Nijmegen, and Noord-Brabant.

Many daytrippers are expected to be out on Hemelvaart and the following Friday, which is expected to lead to more crowded recreation areas, attraction parks, and outlet centers.

Drivers should also be prepared for obstructions and delays on several roads surrounding Rotterdam. Part of the A16 motorway by Rotterdam will be closed during the weekend.

Rijkswaterstaat reported that the road will be closed from 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, to 5 a.m. Monday, May 13, going towards Rotterdam between the Ridderkerk and Terbregseplein. The extra time expected due to the road closure is 30 to 60 minutes. Roadwork is necessary to replace the overpass on the A16 over the Hoofdweg near Terbregseplein by Rotterdam.

Yellow signs and information panels near and above the roads will show detour routes. Traffic will be diverted via the motorways A15, A4, and A20.

Road works are also underway in Rotterdam. The Hoofdweg near the A16 viaduct will be closed to all traffic in both directions until Thursday, May 23, at 6 a.m. Turn off 27 Rotterdam Prins Alexander on the A16, which is already closed and will remain closed until September 2025.

"Prepare yourself before traveling, change your travel route or your departure time if you can, and follow the diversions and advice routes," said Rijkswaterstaat.