ZUIDENWIND
Latest ports
Latest Waypoints
Latest news
Repair of damaged bridge has commenced
The repair of the Stadsbrug (city bridge) in Weert, damaged by the 'Zuidenwind', has started on Jan 5, 2026,, exactly two months afterthe accident. The contractors were only able to begin now because special components had to be manufactured first. The hoisting system was damaged in the allision. The wheels carrying the steel cables needed to be replaced. Not only was the delivery of thesynchronous pulleys a problem, but their replacement proved to be also a complex task. The work will be carried out in two blocks. The bridge will remain closed to shipping until Jan 23, still allowing road traffic and pedestrians to cross the Zuid-Willemsvaart Canal. In the last week of January, the bridge will also be closed to road traffic, with only cyclists and pedestrians permitted to cross the bridge outside office hours. If all goes well, the repairs will be completed on Jan 30, and the bridge can be reopened to shipping and road traffic. Report with photos: https://www.l1nieuws.nl/nieuws/3071160/twee-maanden-na-aanvaring-herstel-stadsbrug-weert-begonnen
Repair completed not before January
The allision of the 'Zuidenwind' with the Stadsbrug (City Bridge) over the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal in Weert was caused by an operator error, according to Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management). The bridge can no longer be opened, and the waterway will remain closed until at least the end of January 2026..The allision on Nov 5 damaged the bridge's cables and pulleys, causing the bridge over the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal to partially tilt. Witnesses saw the bridge close prematurely, causing the inland vessel to hit it. Rijkswaterstaat conducted a comprehensive inspection on Nov 14 to assess the damage. The inspection revealed no damage to the concrete, meaning the supporting structure was intact. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians can therefore use the bridge safely. The bridge will remain closed to shipping. Initial estimates indicate repairs will take at least ten weeks. Several bridge components will need to be replaced. The exact duration of the closure depends primarily on the delivery time of the synchronizer wheels, which carry the cables. The availability of these parts is not guaranteed. Dismantling these synchronizer wheels is also a complex process. The bridge is managed by the municipality of Weert and operated by Rijkswaterstaat. Report with photos: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2025/11/24/foute-bediening-van-de-stadsbrug-zorgde-dat-binnenvaartschip-hier-tegenaan-voer/
Bridge remains closed for uncertain time
After the allision with the ' Zuidenwind', the city bridge in Weert was briefly closed to road traffic after the collision. It can now be used again by motorized vehicles and cyclists. Ship traffic remained closed. A detour was possible via the Meuse River and Belgium. The duration of the closure for ship traffic was still unknown. Ship traffic will be informed as soon as more information becomes available. Motorized vehicles and cyclists can use the bridge safely, as the main support structure was undamaged. Rijkswaterstaat will investigate the extent of the damage next week and then be able to provide more information about the repairs to be carried out and the expected duration of the closure.
Upload News