Road Narrowing for Trucks Near Albert Heijn

Today, the city is having planters moved near the Albert Heijn on Schoolstraat. As a result, trucks that need to load and unload will no longer be able to pass each other. The measure is intended to reduce the load on the roof of the parking garage below.

Albert Heijn is supplied daily by trucks, which travel along Sir Winston Churchillweg. However, residents were concerned about the load-bearing capacity of the road surface where the trucks load and unload. After all, that road surface also serves as the roof of the parking garage located directly below it.

Study on Road Surface Loading

Royal HaskoningDHV investigated the so-called axle load of the trucks. The findings show that the road surface’s load capacity—in mathematical terms—can be exceeded. This occurs when two trucks are positioned close behind each other or are passing one another. The road surface is therefore not designed to handle deliveries as they currently take place, with two trucks driving side by side.

So, what decision has been made?

The municipality of Voorschoten considers it important to prevent accidents. That is why we have implemented an emergency measure effective immediately. We will have the planters in public spaces relocated so that the passageway becomes narrower. This will prevent two trucks from passing each other and will cut the strain on the road surface in half.

You can walk and bike safely in the area where the planters are located. The city is working with Albert Heijn to implement permanent measures as soon as possible.