The bridge was in such poor condition that it had to be closed immediately. A disaster for local traffic because it was difficult to realize a diversion. But not for cyclists and pedestrians! Because Van Schie has various smart solutions for this that are operational within a day.
Such as VSP pontoons: a certified, stable system in which the pontoons click together like a kind of LEGO, complete with fencing and ramps. The possibilities are almost limitless. They are also ideal for shallow water and limited spaces, such as here in the ditch along the Demmerikseweg.
By the way, there is something nice to say about that ditch. A partition has been installed under the bridge in question that separates the area on the left of the photo from the ditch on the right, which is connected to the ring canal. On the left the water is warm and a bit cloudy; on the right the water is clear and a lot colder.
This is deliberately maintained this way for the carp that migrate to the warm area to spawn at certain times of the year. To make this possible, the ‘fishing lock’ is regularly opened by one of the local residents.