Bridge over the IJ delayed - and Amsterdam is still 170 million euros short

The construction of the Oostbrug in Amsterdam, designed to alleviate pressure on ferry services between Noord and the city center, faces significant delays and budget shortfalls. Mobility alderman Elise Moeskops informed the city council that the target completion date of 2034 is unlikely to be met, partly due to strained relations with the national government following the city's decision to ban cruise ships. Furthermore, the project's estimated costs have ballooned from an initial 336 million euros to between 650 and 850 million euros, driven by inflation and unexpected technical requirements for the bridge's foundation.

Despite the push to finish the project as ferry passenger numbers are expected to exceed 120,000 by 2030, a financing gap of approximately 170 million euros remains. While the municipality and the Transport Region have committed funding, the shortfall and the need to negotiate future budget allocations add to the uncertainty. This delay creates a domino effect, as the Oostbrug is a prerequisite for proceeding with other infrastructure plans, such as the Westbrug and a potential pedestrian tunnel.