Work crews are installing delayed noise barriers along the new A9 highway section near Amstelveen after missing the original deadline for their completion.
Rijkswaterstaat had previously promised that the sound walls would be fully set up before traffic began using the northern submerged section.
Missed deadline and noise concerns
The northern side of the new sunken highway structure opened to traffic heading toward Haarlem and Schiphol last week.
However, the noise barriers intended to protect nearby residents from traffic and ongoing construction sounds were not installed on time.
Local political party Actief voor Amstelveen raised concerns after receiving feedback from residents, particularly those living in the nearby Meander apartment buildings.
Project managers attributed the delay to an oversight during a busy maintenance weekend that coincided with summer staffing shortages.
Nighttime lane closures required
After receiving complaints from neighbors, officials arranged for contractor Veenix to install the missing panels during evening shifts.
The work requires closing one traffic lane in the direction of Haarlem and Schiphol, as well as the north-side entrance ramp at Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.
The exit ramp for Stadshart Amstelveen remains open to drivers while the installation takes place.
If crews cannot finish setting up all the noise panels in a single night, work will continue during the following evening.
Broader highway expansion efforts
The sound screen installation is part of the ongoing major expansion of the A9 highway between Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht.
Traffic heading toward Utrecht is expected to begin using the newly constructed sunken section this coming September.
Crews will then focus on constructing the southern half of the sunken highway structure to complete the multi-year infrastructure project.
