Major infrastructure projects shelved to clear €18bn for repairs

The Dutch government has decided to postpone 29 major road, rail, and waterway projects in favor of allocating €18 billion towards essential infrastructure maintenance over the next 15 years. Infrastructure Minister Vincent Karremans announced the list on Friday, stating that the government had to make "painful choices" to catch up on a backlog of repairs accumulated under previous administrations.

Many Dutch roads, bridges, and viaducts were constructed between the 1950s and 1970s, and the two primary maintenance programs have consistently been underfunded. Karremans explained that he was "reprioritising" planned new projects that had been desired for years due to the urgent need for maintenance and modernization. The Mobiliteitsfonds and Deltafonds faced a €80 billion shortfall for the 2040 period, which has since been reduced to €65 billion due to new investments and the upcoming budget.

The highways and waterways agency estimated that an additional €34.5 billion was required to repair tunnels, locks, and bridges, while rail operator ProRail needs another €20 billion to 2038. Karremans' decision to defer projects will enable the maintenance of critical infrastructure, such as the IJmuiden pumping station, which requires a €2.3 billion upgrade.

Some €2.4 billion has been set aside for essential projects like Amsterdam's Zuidasdok tunnel and motorway interchange and the A27 stretch between Houten and Hooipolder. Railway investments include €2 billion for the Schiphol-Rotterdam high-speed line, where speed limits are necessary due to 10 viaduct repairs, and €1.9 billion for the European Rail Traffic Management System.

Additional €635 million will improve the "Brainport" region around Eindhoven, including constructing two platforms at Eindhoven Centraal station, a neighboring bus station, and widening roads around the city's airport. The government has also established a task force, ADIEU, to reduce regulations to the minimal level, potentially saving €2 billion.

However, suspending numerous projects has left rural areas reliant on road and rail connections dismayed. Ameland council highlighted that dredging the channel between the island and Holwert costs the government €3 billion annually, necessitating a new route to access hospitals and other services. Many projects in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe have been put on hold, although the Nedersaksenlijn rail route between Groningen and Enschede will proceed at a cost of €2 billion.

Doubts persist regarding the viability of the Lelylijn high-speed rail link between Groningen and Amsterdam, with junior infrastructure minister Annet Bertram admitting that €15 billion annual investment is questionable, and alternative funding sources must be sought.