On 14 April, Johan de Wittlaan was closed to through traffic. The municipality has been closely monitoring the situation since then. The situation around Johan de Wittlaan is stable and manageable. A number of surrounding roads have become busier during rush hour, as residents have also noticed. This is in line with the expectations that both the municipality and residents had in advance. The municipality implemented improvements.
Mayor Jan van Zanen: “We cannot avoid all inconvenience for residents, but we are using all means to limit it as much as possible. This is an operation that demands a lot from the city. That is why it is important that we continue to monitor and continue to talk to residents for improvements where possible.We do that, we will continue to do that and people can expect that from us.”
Tight monitoring
The municipality has been closely monitoring the situation around Johan de Wittlaan in recent weeks. Traffic light data provides insight into how traffic moves and whether the number of vehicles increases or decreases on different routes.
In addition, the municipal traffic control center at the Spui monitors the situation via camera images. Motorcycle officers also drive around the area to monitor traffic on the street. In addition, the municipality regularly holds discussions with residents from the surrounding neighborhoods.
Traffic image around Johan de Wittlaan
In the first days after the closure, there was noticeably more traffic in the area. However, this did not lead to major traffic jams. The situation quickly stabilized. Travelers are adjusting their routes, as expected.
Diversion routes
The monitoring shows that traffic is spreading over the diversion routes and urban main roads. There is a clear increase in traffic on the diversion route Laan Copes van Cattenburch, Burgemeester Patijnlaan and Groot Hertoginnelaan. An increase in traffic is also visible on the Laan van Meerdervoort, Javastraat and Mauritskade.
Around the World Forum
In the vicinity of the World Forum, it is especially busy on the Jacob Catslaan, Eisenhowerlaan, Kanaalweg and the Scheveningseweg. These roads are usually busy, especially during rush hour. The extra travel time on these roads can be up to 15 minutes during rush hour compared to the normal situation. This depends on the day and time.
Residents are regularly consulted to determine whether additional measures are needed, where they are needed and when. This includes changing traffic light lead times or placing additional signs.
Following the monitoring and discussions with residents, measures have already been taken. For example, the lead times of traffic lights at the intersection of Scheveningseweg and Frankenslag/Frederik Hendriklaan have been adjusted, so that traffic on Scheveningseweg has a longer green light.
Diversions in the days of the NATO summit
The municipality is currently working on the diversions that apply to the days of the NATO summit and the days around it. Additional measures are required for these days. On behalf of Rijkswaterstaat, the northern access roads to The Hague in particular will be closed at certain times for the transport of delegations. These measures also have consequences for other traffic in the city. The traffic plans will soon be communicated to the city and discussed with the surrounding area.
NATO summit
The Hague will host the NATO summit on 24 and 25 June. This summit will take place in the World Forum on Johan de Wittlaan. Due to the size of the event, temporary buildings will be placed next to the World Forum. This will affect the accessibility of the area.
The municipality therefore advises, where possible, to leave the car at home and opt for the bicycle or public transport.
Anyone travelling by car is advised to use navigation or view the latest information about diversions at: www.denhaag.nl/johandewittlaan .
Text and images provided by Gemeente Den Haag, translation to English by The Hague Online
