Haarlem north and Dordrecht - bridge restrictions

I can confirm that as of W/C August 15th, the restriction north of Haarlem reported below was still in operation - the northern bridge to the NS canal only opening when the motorway bridge opens 3 times a day - you need to hurry through both not to be trapped. Waiting north of the bridge was very congested. The associated lock at Spaarndam is still under conctuction and there is no means of securing ashore in the southern part of the lock! But fees are still required - of course!

The Alblasserdam bridge at Dordrecht is also still restricted to 3 openings as day, as reported elsewhere on this site. There is a small waiting pontoon north of this bridge but it has no land connection. The marina very close by is small but very friendly and there are shops and restaurants within 200m, so it's not all pain!

There is no information on when these restrictions will be lifted. Indeed there is no sign of engineering works at either site - perhaps they are waiting for parts, or perhaps they are making operating savings?

Peter Gibbs.

Yacht Joelle

I have just learnt that the Buitenhuizerbrug BB581. The first/last bridge
on the Spaarne from the Noordzeekkanal has a technical problem and is closed
at this time I have not yet found out when it might reopen tel +31 800
8002.

Dated 28th July 2010 Simon Fraser