Council Executive rejects rerouting of CentrumRing

5 November 2008 – A motion was carried unanimously by The Hague city council in 2001 to reroute the section of the CentrumRing, which now follows Laan Copes and Patijnlaan, along Telderstracé as soon as the “upgrading” of the NW Hoofdroute was completed. As we understand it “upgrading” meant the linking of the Landscheidingsweg with the Telderstracé by means of the Hubertustunnel, which was officially opened this September. But the Council Executive had to be reminded of its 2001 motion in 2007, as it seemed to have slipped their memory. A watered-down version was eventually adopted (the Executive had to “carry out a survey” into the rerouting) and in the meantime the results of this “survey” by Alderman Smit indicate that rerouting is impossible. Perhaps in 20 to 30 years? If the NW Hoofdroute between Scheveningseweg and nearby Kijkduin should also go underground? Residents could not have been given clearer proof of the local authority’s untrustworthiness. The Alderman considers the matter over and done with. We do not.

With the help of the opposition, the matter was rescheduled for an extra VML (traffic, environment and infrastructure) committee meeting on 28 October 2008. Five local residents put their case (Karel van Noordenne, Guus Nieuwenhuys, Tim Dike, Eveline Blitz and Wybe Taekema) assisted by strong support from the opposition parties D’66, CDA and in particular the Haagse Stadspartij. There then followed a fiasco of a performance by VVD Alderman Peter Smit and the coalition parties VVD, PvdA and Groen Links. Evidently it had been decided to ignore previously taken decisions, deeming the original reasoning irrelevant. The Alderman got lost in word games about the meaning of “upgrading” and seems determined to “upgrade” Laan Copes/Patijnlaan and Javastraat to a racetrack with even greater traffic volume. He has all kinds of measures up his sleeve to aid the freer flow of traffic so that even more vehicles can be squeezed through our narrow streets. Readjustment of the traffic lights for example so that the traffic gets the green light for longer. Peter Smit also wants tram 9 put in a tunnel so that traffic flow into Javastraat and Laan Copes is no longer “inconvenienced”.

Neither the health of the residents, nor their children, interests the city council one iota. The car has priority!  But we won’t give up.

In the meantime, the following round is already behind us – the VML committee discussions on the Flankerend Beleid bill on 13 November. What we understand by “covering policy” is measures aimed at driving down daily local and commuter traffic,  like “park & ride” facilities and other means mentioned earlier.

Once again there were many who wanted to have their say, including four from our neighbourhood. They emphasized that the covering policy amounted to little and that local and commuter traffic was in fact not an obstacle. And what is more, it did not even include the most obvious measure (the introduction of substantial paid-parking rates everywhere). The only thing the Alderman’s policy did “cover” was his measures to promote traffic flow, such as putting tram 9 in a tunnel under Koninginnegracht and the “green light” for vehicles travelling along Javastraat and Laan Copes. These measures will actually attract more traffic. Once again, we were supported by council opposition during this latest skirmish.

Being aware of the coalition’s majority, the Alderman deigned it unnecessary to utter one word in answer to our argument – a perfect demonstration of the arrogance of power.

Wybe Taekema, chairman A&W Residents Association

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A&W Residents Association protests against CentrumRing through the district

Letter and Memo sent to the media and political establishment:

29 September 2008, The Hague

 

To whom it may concern:

The inhabitants of the Archipelbuurt in The Hague, in particular those living on Laan Copes van Cattenburch, Burg. Patijnlaan and Javastraat, are extremely dissatisfied with the policy exercised by the city council with regard to the traffic passing through their neighbourhood. Readings have revealed that the concentration of NO2 already exceeds acceptable levels and it can be assumed that this is also the case with dangerous trace elements (the council found that monitoring these was too expensive, even if it does concern the health of its citizens).

Yet the council thinks nothing of putting the Centrumring under even more pressure with the recent introduction of the “milieuzone” as well as their announcement about measures to stimulate traffic flow. This will result in a further increase in the volume of traffic, a rise in pollution and further erosion of the quality of life.

The residents find the way the council is risking the health of those living in our neighbourhood and moving these risks from one district to another as unacceptable and irresponsible.

The final straw came at the beginning of September when the city council with one stroke of the pen, nonchalantly caste aside the council decision taken in 2001 (to move the Centrumring from Laan Copes to Telderstracé after the “upgrading” of the planned route). As far as the inhabitants are concerned there could be no clearer sign of the unreliability of the city council.

Various relevant issues are presented in more detail in the memo attached. If you would like more information or details please get in touch with one of the contacts listed below.

Yours sincerely,

 

Wybe Taekema, chairman A & W

Contacts:

Eveline Blitz M Sc, tel. 070 3648727; email: e.blitz@wxs.nl

Guus Nieuwenhuys M Sc, tel. 070 3561582; email:nieuwenhuys@planet.nl

Wybe Taekema LL M, tel. 070 3636077; email: taek@online.nl

Memo text (in Dutch): Notitie leefbaarheid in A&W

VCP - Traffic Circulation Plan

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Council is to look for a solution to polluted air over Laan Copes

Last year the pollution readings taken by the council on Laan Copes van Cattenburch appeared to be markedly higher than the acceptable norm. The council had its doubts about the accuracy of the readings so new laboratories were engaged and additional metering points installed.

The results were made public at an information evening on 15 May 2008 and indeed the pollution on Laan Copes exceeds the 2007 norm of 46 mg/m³: the average reading was 48.7 mg/m³.

According to the council, air pollution will reduce throughout The Hague because of, on the one hand, national regulations (requirements regarding emissions from cars for example) and, on the other hand, because of council action taken in accordance with the Actieplan Luchtkwaliteit. Considering the council is of the opinion – as we are – that this will probably not have the desired effect in relation to Laan Copes, it intends to investigate the implementation of additional measures. What would be the effect of reducing the left-turn, two-lane exit from Raamweg to one lane? What would happen if the traffic lights at Nassauplein are adjusted to encourage a freer flow of traffic? And what happens if the Centrumring is rerouted to the Telderstracé?

Dissatisfaction

Many residents gave vent to their dissatisfaction during the information evening. We have been asking for the implementation of measures to reduce traffic for more than ten years. However in the meantime traffic has increased so much it has become almost impossible to cross the Laan during rush hours. Why does the central milieuzone only extend to Mauritskade and not to Laan Copes? Why is the council yet again investigating all sorts of measures instead of actually testing them? And the fact that the council, as cool as you please, announced yet again that they are going to carry out a survey into whether the Centrumring can be moved to the Telderstracé, had the residents gasping with disbelief. This was – would you believe – decided way back in 2001 by the city council! And in June 2007, it tasked the Municipal Executive to again investigate whether that 2001 council decree could finally be implemented!

There was also much criticism when the Alderman announced that "dynamic traffic management" is to be introduced on the Centrumring; that is if Laan Copes and Patijnlaan do remain part of the Centrumring. This would mean large matrix signs suspended above the street (with information about the fastest routes, etc.), which in our opinion would be an unacceptable violation of this conservation area.

Promises

Eventually the Alderman made just two promises:

- the crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists on Laan Copes will be reconsidered

- the intended surveys will be completed and presented to residents before the summer recess.

We’ll keep our ears to the ground!

Eveline Blitz   

Investigation into air quality on Laan Copes van Cattenburch - 2007

The results of readings taken of the level of carbon dioxide (NO2) emissions in the street has led the Hague Municipal Council to the decision to carry out an investigation into the air quality on Laan Copes van Cattenburch. In the first four months of 2007 records indicated noticeably high pollution readings of carbon dioxide. The Council wants to establish one way or the other whether pollution on Laan Copes van Cattenburch has actually increased or whether perhaps something went wrong: that the readings are inaccurate for example.

Air quality levels
The Council sets standards for acceptable levels of air quality based on assessments of the detrimental effects of various pollutants. In addition, the air in The Hague is regularly monitored. In most cases pollution levels fall below the officially acceptable levels. However in the first quarter of 2007 the reverse was the case on Laan Copes van Cattenburch: the readings were higher than the calculated levels. A remarkable situation and one that the Council wants to get to the bottom of.

Investigation
The council investigation consists of three phases:
1. Monitoring the amount of traffic using the street;
2. Installation of extra measuring devises by two independent consultancy firms;
3. Analysis of the measuring devices by two different laboratories.

The results are expected to be made known in February 2008. Residents of Laan Copes van Cattenburch have already been informed in writing about the investigation and will be able to ask any questions they may have during an information evening to be organised.

Huberttunnel officially opened 1 October

At 14.00 on 1 October 2008 Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Camiel Eurlings, officially opened the longest urban tunnel in the Netherlands. The cutting of the ribbon ceremony took place at the tunnel mouth on Landscheidingsweg in the presence of  the Mayor of The Hague, Jozias van Aartsen.

From Saturday morning 4 October it will be possible to drive directly from Landscheidingsweg to Professor B.M. Teldersweg.

A theatre piece was specially created for the opening event entitled: DóórGANG! DóórGANG! (a way through).

Hubertustunnel open to traffic

The Hubertustunnel will be open to traffic on Saturday 4 October. However, additional work will still be carried in the coming months out in order to connect the tunnel to the Hubertusviaduct.

While the finishing touches are still being put on the €150 million project, only one lane of traffic will be open in each direction of the tunnel. The crew will work on the junction with the Hubertusviaduct from October 2008 until May 2009. As of May the tunnel should be put into full use.

Monitoring equipment
All the equipment needed to ensure the safe flow of traffic has been installed in the Hubertustunnel and extensively tested. The Hubertustunnel is now connected to the new traffic control centre located at the Scheveningen Harbour. Specially trained operators there will keep an eye on traffic in the tunnel 24 hours a day via remote cameras connected to the control centre by fibre optic cable.

Weekend closures
The Hubertustunnel is expected to be closed four weekends in 2008. This will be required to make sure all the software is working properly once the tunnel is in full operation. The closures will be announced to the public well in advance. Vehicular traffic will be able to take the ‘old’ route along the Waalsdorperweg. This road will be redesigned once the tunnel is up and running and it will change from a busy and overloaded main road into a quiet residential street.

Source: www.denhaag.com/Living in The Hague/City News

More information
You can find more information on the Hubertustunnel on the Dutch-language municipal website: www.denhaag.nl/hubertustunnel

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PRESS RELEASE - City Management Department

The Hague, 29 July 2008

Hubertustunnel/Noordelijke Randweg Information Centre to close 1 August

The Hubertustunnel/Noordelijke Randweg Information Centre will close on 1 August. A total of 16,218 visitors crossed its threshold: the busiest periods were during the open days in 2006 (around 5,000 visitors) and in May 2008 (around 3,400 visitors). The Hague Municipal council is very satisified with the interest shown by the public.

Members of the public still wanting to ask questions can visit the website www.denhaag.nl/hubertustunnel or directly e-mail hubertustunnel@dsb.denhaag.nl. The general telephone number will also remain attainable for the time being: 070 324 0892.

Hubertustunnel

The Hubertustunnel is made up of two separate tubes connected by five cross-tunnel passages. Two lanes are available for each direction and the tunnels have a maximum speed limit of 50 km/hr. Measuring 1.5 km, the Hubertustunnel is the longest city tunnel in the Netherlands.  

Due to more stringent national norms for tunnel safety introduced in 2006, additional safety measures must be carried out in the Hubertustunnel than was originally planned. The new date for the tunnel's opening has now been set for the end of September and will be officially opened by Minister Eurlings of Transportation & Environment on 1 oktober 2008.

The Hubertustunnel is being built by the Hubertus Tunnel Combinatie by order of the Municipality of The Hague. The combinatie (association) is made up of BAM Civiel, Van Hattum en Blankevoort and Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau.

 

More information can be found at: www.denhaag.com

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Traffic re-routed as Hubertus Tunnel is linked up

10 June 2008

Work started yesterday on linking up the new Hubertus Tunnel in The Hague with the Hubertus Viaduct. For the next three months, the route between the Waalsdorperweg and the Raamweg will be closed to motor traffic, though cyclists and pedestrians will still be able to use it. Cars will be re-routed via Madurodam.

www.thehagueonline.com

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Open Day Hubertustunnel  
Saturday 31 May 2008 - A chance to take a look at the finished tunnel between 10.00 and 16.00 before it opens to traffic. This means you have to leave the car at home or park some distance away in the residential streets in the area. Come by bike or walk or take bus 22.

There are two access points:

Waalsdorperweg (next to the Vrije School) or

Landscheidingsweg (via Else Mauhslaan).

More information ... (click on "flyer" for route).

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Hubertustunnel ready at end of September

The construction of the Hubertustunnel is progressing well. Now that both tunnels have been bored, the final touches are now going at full speed. Due to more stringent national norms for tunnel safety introduced in 2006, more safety measures than originally planned now need to be added to the Hubertustunnel. The new date for the tunnel's opening has now been set for 25 September 2008. The available budget for the project will not be affected.

More..

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Boring second tube of the Hubertustunnel

Starting in the week of 5 February boring of the second tube of the Hubertustunnel will begin. From now until the beginning of June 2007 crews will be working on the tunnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In order to prevent any inconvenience, the project management is planning to transport the sand and materials as much as possible during the day and not on weekends. The work will take place primarily at the construction site on the Landscheidingsweg.

People living near the construction site will be confronted with extra lighting in the evening hours and at night, which is needed to carry out the work. The portal crane needed to transport the tunnel parts will also be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents in the neighbourhood may hear the safety signal, particularly during the quiet evening hours.

How can you stay informed?
There are several ways in which you can stay informed of the progress during the boring of the second tube of the tunnel.

The project management will send a weekly email to members of the advisory committee in order to let them know how things are progressing. The email will also indicate when the boring machine will pass by certain homes. The committee members will subsequently inform their constituency.

You can also find information about the progress of the boring on www.denhaag.nl/hubertustunnel. This website will also provide contact information for the project management.

The weekly progress of the project will also be monitored in the information centre. Here you will be able to find the most up-to-date information and you can come with your questions. The information centre is open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 12.00 to 16.00 hrs. The centre is located at the construction site on the Landscheidingsweg. You can find a detailed map here.

Contact with the project management
The project management will try to do everything within its power to minimise the inconvenience for residents in the area. Should you nevertheless have questions about the operations, please contact Ms. Lia Bos at l.bos@dsb.denhaag.nl.

A separate telephone number is now available where you can ask questions about the boring 24 hours a day, 7 days a weeks. The telephone number is 06 5095 1171.

Source: www.denhaag.com

Haagse Milieuzone comes into force 16 April 2008

Alderman for the environment Peter Smit and Minister Cramer for Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment will officially launch the start of the so-called ‘milieuzone’ (anti-pollution zone) this Wednesday. This is one of the measures comprising the Actieplan Luchtkwaliteit 2007-2015 (air quality action plan 2007 – 2015).

This initiative aims to cut down pollution in the city centre. This has greatly improved compared to 20 years ago and the municipal council intends to continue the good work.

Unfortunately, Javastraat is one of the streets bordering but not part of the milieuzone. This means that we can expect even more traffic on Javastraat and on Laan Copes Cattenburch/Burg. Patijnlaan but certainly no improvement in ‘our air quality’!

Parking in residential districts

26 February 2008: Release of  comments concerning parking in residential districts.

The Council Executive has sent a proposal concerning parking to the Commissie Verkeer, Milieu & Leefomgeving (commission for traffic, environment and immediate surroundings), advising that the current situation in Archipel be continued: Willemspark is not mentioned in the proposal.

Archipelbuurt (district no.46)
The average parking burden at any time on week days in this district is lower than In 80%. There is therefore an adequate number of parking places which means no action is required regarding the parking situation in this district. The regulations currently in force in this district (almost everywhere Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 17.00) are therefore functioning as they should.

The proposal is available for perusal at city hall and the various district offices or can be consulted online at www.denhaag.nl/parkeren

Public objections welcome on parking plan

Residents and businesses have from 3 March to 13 April to raise their objections (inspraak) to the proposal to introduce paid parking in a number of residential neighbourhoods in The Hague.

Click here for complete article.

Bad accident at Hoge Bankastraat intersection

We were shocked to hear about a bad accident on Friday evening 1 February 2008, just after 8.30, at the intersection Aletta Jacobsweg, Kerkhoflaan, Bankastraat.  Shocking most of all of course for the victims.

 
Terrible that such an accident has happened again. After all we have pointed out to the council numerous times that the present layout at this intersection was an accident waiting to happen. Unfortunately it is not the first serious traffic accident to take place here.
It is an extra incentive for the Archipel&Willemspark working party “traffic” to again request the council to review the situation for the whole stretch of road from Madurodam to Laan Copes. This includes giving due consideration to the fact that the route runs through a shopping street. A maximum speed limit of 30 km seems to be the most obvious choice, even if police and fire service requirements rule out the installation of speed bumps.

The redesign of the whole of Bankastraat is a priority on the working party’s list of activities. All ideas from fellow residents will be gratefully received and will be given our full attention.
 
Marin Engelhard

Long-term plan for cycle lanes

The Hague Council's long-term plan (2007 - 2010) for 24 new cycle lanes in various parts of the city, including Javastraat, Laan van Meerdervoort, Carnegielaan and Alexanderstraat, is now available in a 36-page pdf document.

Restructuring Scheveningseweg intersection

A replanning of the dangerous intersection Jacob Catslaan / Scheveningseweg / Ary van der Spuyweg is afoot, with the most important points being:
- installation of (traffic-dependent) traffic lights
- improvement of space allocated for cyclists and pedestrians
- inforcement of a no-left turn for cars from Scheveningseweg onto A.v.d.Spuyweg

Late for school? The bridge had to be opened!

Riouwbrug officially open

    l. Alderman Smit; r. initiative taker Bert Kreemers

Photo: Auke Bloembergen

Early this morning the new Riouwbrug was literally under the spotlight when Alderman Peter Smit (responisible for Traffic), Bert Kreemers (working party Traffic - Archipel&Willemspark Residents Association) and a number of pupils of the Aloysius College and the Wolters primary school showed up in the dark for the official opening of the new cycle link across to Raamweg.

 Cyclists eagerly wait to cross the new bridge./Photo: Auke Bloembergen

Realization of the Riouwbrug is the result of a burgerinitiatief (citizens initiative) proposed by Archipel&Willemspark Residents Association. The new bridge offers school pupils and other bike/moped users an improved and safer cycle connection across to Raamweg.

Construction on Riouwbrug underway

20 September 2007 – The Dienst Stadsbeheer (City Management Service) announced that construction will start on the cycle bridge opposite Riouwstraat connecting Koninginnegracht with Raamweg. As well as the building of the new bridge, the tram stops in both directions at the end of Riouwstraat will be relocated and extended. The existing cycle/pedestrian bridge across to Raamweg will also be renovated.

Construction will be carried out in phases between September 2007 and mid-2008 to preserve the safety of road users and the construction crews. Depending on weather conditions, the bridge is expected to be in use by the new year. The work could cause some inconvenience but homes and businesses will remain accessible throughout.

Project Manager cycle-projects
Richard van Hillo

Construction schedule cycle bridge

12 July 2007

Alderman Smit has offered his excuses by telephone for the lack of information about the schedule for the installation of the Riouw Bridge: the work on the new bridge is scheduled to begin in September.

P r e s s R e l e a s e

“Alderman not taking citizens initiative seriously”

The Hague, 11 July 2007

The “Riouwbrug”, a crossing for cyclists between the Archipelbuurt and Benoordenhout, doesn’t look as if it’s going to materialize in the near future. Although The Hague municipal council promised to have the improved cycle connection installed before the beginning of the new school year, so far, the work has still not begun.

On 1 December 2005, 533 Hague residents requested a safe cycle and pedestrian connection between the Archipelbuurt and Benoordenhout in a burgerinitiatief (citizens initiative). Such a burgerinitiatief is one of the ways citizens are able to have a more direct influence on how the council functions. The 2005 initiative for the “Riouw bridge” was a success story. Within two weeks the necessary signatures had been collected and on 1 February 2006 the council committee for traffic and the then Alderman gave their full support to the initiative. Plans for an improved crossing between Raamweg and Koninginnegracht were submitted for public discussion and comment on 1 December 2006. There were no objections at this stage.

Last month, Alderman Pieter van Woensel (with responsibility for Traffic) was asked if there was any reason for the delay that seems to have arisen and why the council committee and initiative group had not been kept informed and when the new crossing would be installed. So far there has been no answer from the Alderman.

Some weeks ago a burgerjaarverslag (citizens annual report) was sent to the initiative takers in which it stated that the Alderman was striving to have the new cycle bridge ready for the beginning of the school year 2007/2008 (p. 29).

The hold-up and the lack of a response to questions about the reasons for the delay suggest that the Alderman is not taking the citizens initiative seriously. Members of the initiative group have requested council committee members to formerly illicit an explanation from the Alderman.

NB: Bert Kreemers, one of the original intitiative takers, is stepping down as spokesman. He can be contacted at 06-53152839.

Cycle bridge on TV West

Bert Kreemers (the initiative taker behind this project) will be answering questions about the new cycle bridge during TV West’s programme Verkeer en Meer (Traffic and More) on Saturday 28 April 2007 at around 18:50. The programme will be repeated at 19:50, 21:50, 22:50 and 23:50.

On Sunday the programme will be retransmitted hourly but not at a set time.

Cycle bridge from Riouwstraat to Raamweg definite

18 January 2007 - A decision made by the council authorities today means that the residents of Archipelbuurt and Willemspark can now definitely look forward to a proper cycle bridge over the Kanaal between Riouwstraat and Raamweg. There were no objections to the plans for the Riouwbrug at the information evening held on 30 November 2006, only positive comments.

Deputy Mayor Pieter van Woensel (with responsibility for Traffic) would like the bridge to be completed this year and the authorities have already started drawing up the final plans so that work can begin as soon as possible. According to van Woensel, The Hague is a new and safe cycle route the richer with this cycle bridge offering a fast and direct connection to many children in Archipelbuurt and Willemspark who cycle to schools in the neighbouring district of Benoordenhout. The dangerous situations regularly encountered on the pedestrian bridge will soon be a thing of the past.

As well as the cycle bridge, a new crossing point - for both cyclists and pedestrians - over the tram line along which tram 9 runs will be located directly opposite Riouwstraat. This will accommodate the longer platform required for the second phase of the RandstadRail project. The new cycle bridge will link up with the existing bridge on the Raamweg side carried on supports above the Kanaal.

With the installation of the cycle bridge, the Municipal Council is meeting the burgerinitiatief (citizens initiative) of the Archipelbuurt/Willemspark Residents Association, which was also involved in the development of the plans drawn up by the council authorities.

Have your say about the new cycle bridge at the information evening 30 November
in the community centre on Celebesstraat

Crossing over tram line
In anticipation of the second phase of RandstadRail, a change has been made to the plans with regard to the location of the crossing point over the tram line along which tram 9 runs in order to accommodate a longer platform. It will be moved so that it is directly opposite Riouwstraat. The crossing will also be widened to make room for cyclists and pedestrians.

Bridge over the 'Kanaal'
There is going to be a bridge for cyclists. It will slope gently downwards in the direction of Raamweg and link up with the existing bridge which is carried on supports above the Kanaal on that side. Where the two bridges adjoin at right angles to one another, a tight bend occurs requiring users, especially those on mopeds, to break and slow down. There will be plenty of space on the bridge for bike lanes in both directions.

Raamweg crossing
The reorganization of the intersection Raamweg/Waalsdorperweg has been incorporated into the Hubertustunnel project. The new situation will mean that there is enough space for cyclists and pedestrians and the congestion between those crossing the intersection and cyclists travelling straight on along Raamweg will be eased.

Pedestrians
The new arrangement concerning the use of the existing cycle bridge along Raamweg means that part of the lane for pedestrians will disappear and be rerouted along the existing pedestrian bridge. The distance pedestrians will have to walk will remain the same - and may even be shorter - and they will be the sole users because cylists will no longer need to use this bridge.

view from Madurodam direction

Information evening
On Thursday 30 November 2006, the municipal council is organizing an information evening between 17:00 and 20:00 in the community centre ’t Klokhuis at Celebesstraat 4. There will be an explanation of the plans and you can ask questions and make your opinions known.