Aanpak Ring Zuid Groningen Live Cam

Planning and Early Proposals

The concept of a southern ring road for Groningen dates back to the late 1960s, when urban planners identified the need to divert through‐traffic away from the historic city center. Initial proposals called for a circumferential route connecting the A7 motorway at Waterhuizen to the A28 near Zuidlaren, forming a half‐circle around the densely populated southern districts. By 1972, a regional transportation study recommended constructing a “Ring Zuid” that would link Hoendiep, Radesingel, and the Van Starkenborghkanaal crossings, thereby relieving pressure on the Ooster‐Noord‐Zuid axis (hereafter referred to as ONZ Axis).

Early design concepts envisaged predominantly surface‐level carriageways, utilizing asphalt concrete pavement over compacted subgrade. Soil borings at 50‐meter intervals revealed heterogenous peat layers—varying from 1 to 4 meters in thickness—overlying glacial clay and sand deposits. Geotechnical engineers recommended deep dynamic compaction in sections where peat thickness exceeded 2.5 meters, to achieve a minimum CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of 3 percent. In areas where compaction proved insufficient, preloading with surcharge fill of 1.2 meters was used to induce primary consolidation before final pavement construction. These soil stabilization measures would later prove essential for mitigating settlement exacerbated by Groningen’s ongoing gas extraction activities.

1960s Vision and Community Response

During the mid‐1970s, the Municipality of Groningen held a series of public hearings to gauge local residents’ sentiments regarding the proposed route. Neighborhood associations from De Wijert and Herewegbuurt voiced concerns about increased noise pollution and potential severance of residential areas. As a compromise, urban planners proposed constructing the Korrewegwijk Tunnel—a cut‐and‐cover structure beneath the Hereweg intersection—to maintain street connectivity while allowing through‐traffic to pass unobstructed. Acoustic engineers suggested installing 2.5‐meter‐high noise barriers made from sound‐absorptive concrete along residential parcels adjacent to the future ring road.