The Province of South Holland, the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH), and the municipalities of Leidschendam-Voorburg and The Hague want to jointly invest in a new bridge for cyclists over the Vliet River between Voorburg and Leidschenveen-Ypenburg. A new bridge will significantly improve the final hurdle on the important regional cycle route between Pijnacker and The Hague city center, which has been under construction since 2019. The plan is to relocate the current “Nieuwe Tolbrug” (New Toll Bridge), a national monument dating from 1891 and also known as the “Kippenbrug” (Chicken Bridge), to Park Vreugd en Rust in Voorburg. There, it can remain in use for pedestrians.
Klaas Verschuure, Alderman for Urban Development in the municipality of The Hague: “With a new bridge, we’ll keep the entire region accessible and cycling will become even more attractive, even for longer distances. This is desperately needed, as many people are moving into the area. With the improved connection, everyone can easily, quickly, and safely cycle to work, school, or anywhere else.”
Jeffrey Keus, Alderman for Mobility for the municipality of Leidschendam-Voorburg: “I’m pleased that the ‘Kippenbrug’ will be preserved and Hoekenburg Park will remain intact. By choosing a new bicycle-friendly bridge, we’re taking a major step towards creating a better regional cycling route. In further planning for the bridge and the route, we’ll be paying close attention to traffic safety and enforcement.”
In recent years, significant investments have been made in the cycle route, including the Jan Linzel Viaduct over the A4 motorway and a cycle path through the Vlietzone. The current New Toll Bridge connecting to this route is a narrow, steep drawbridge for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge is not designed for cyclists and can only be crossed safely by hand. Efforts have been underway for some time to find a solution for this unfriendly situation.
This search takes various interests into account. Participation revealed that residents support improved cycling connections and increased road safety, while preserving the historic Kippenbrug and adjacent Hoekenburg Park. The province of South Holland is closely involved as the bridge’s owner and waterway manager. Because the bridge is a national monument, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands advises on necessary adjustments. Furthermore, the parties involved must consider the monumental value of Hoekenburg Park, which is located next to the bridge in Voorburg.
Moving ‘Chicken Bridge’
The municipality of Leidschendam-Voorburg wants to preserve the historic “Nieuwe Tolbrug” (New Toll Bridge) for its use. Therefore, an alternative location has been sought. By relocating the bridge to the Vliet River near Park Vreugd en Rust, it can remain open to pedestrians and create a new recreational connection from the Loozone to the Vlietzone and The Hague.
“All things considered, we believe this is the best solution,” says provincial administrator Jeroen van Dijken (Traffic and Transport). “A new bridge is an improvement for cyclists and waterway users. And the national heritage Nieuwe Tolbrug (New Toll Bridge) could look its best in a nearby park.”
Decision-making and participation
The designs for the new bicycle bridge and the integration of the historic bridge at Park Vreugd en Rust are being further developed. Residents and stakeholders are welcome to contribute their input.
A final decision to implement the design will follow after the municipal councils of Leidschendam-Voorburg, The Hague and the Provincial Council of South Holland have approved the plans.