Infrastructure
Oostbrug delayed again as funding gap reaches at least €169.5 million
By the Pont newsroom · Published:
The Oostbrug faces another delay and a funding gap of at least €169.5 million. Even the earliest possible 2034 completion date is now at risk.
The Oostbrug has been delayed again, while the city lacks at least €169.5 million for the cheapest option. Alderman Elise Moeskops also warns that even the earliest possible completion date in 2034 is unlikely to be met. The planned walking and cycling bridge would connect Azartplein with the Hamerkwartier in Amsterdam Noord. Until a permanent crossing opens, the Amsterdam ferries remain indispensable for journeys across the IJ. The new figures come from a letter to the city council reported by AT5 and NH Nieuws on 8 October 2026.
A funding gap of at least €169.5 million for the Oostbrug
Amsterdam and the regional Transport Authority have arranged €522.5 million in funding cover, according to the new information. Of that amount, €42 million has been set aside to absorb future price increases. What remains is not enough even for the cheapest option currently being studied. The city therefore calculates a present shortfall of €169.5 million, or at least €170 million when rounded. This is not a final bill because design choices, market prices and agreements with other public authorities can still change.
Why the design and construction are becoming more expensive
The higher estimate has several technical causes that reinforce one another, according to the alderman. The foundations must go deeper than previously expected and building on the busy IJ is proving more complex. The bridge must withstand major vessel collisions and use two leaves for each movable section instead of one. Stricter sustainability requirements, price increases and the need to accommodate waiting berths for inland vessels also contribute. The earlier €650–850 million range and its political history are explained in our report on the cost surge and emergency debate.
Completion of the Oostbrug after 2034 looks more likely
The city's timetable already described 2034 as the earliest possible completion date rather than a guaranteed opening. Moeskops now writes that even this early scenario is unlikely to be achievable. This update therefore goes beyond the earlier Oostbrug delay to 2034, because the executive is explicitly allowing for a further postponement. By spring 2027 the city expects greater clarity about the technically and financially viable option, the timetable and who will cover the remaining cost. Amsterdam will reopen talks with the Transport Authority and also approach the national government about possible funding.
What the Oostbrug funding gap means for the ferries
For today's ferry journey, the council letter changes nothing about routes, frequencies or stops. The F1 Eastern Ferry between Azartplein and Zamenhofstraat will continue operating while the bridge is studied and prepared. A longer delay does mean the ferries remain the principal walking and cycling links across the IJ for more years. That makes investment in vessels, crews and reliability more important, especially on the busy crossings at Centraal Station. Passengers can keep checking current sailings through the ferry apps, because a long-term bridge decision does not alter today's service.
Decision-making moves to spring 2027
The next major decision point is expected in spring 2027, once the design, costs, timetable and financing have been developed further. Only then can the city council assess whether the proposed Oostbrug remains feasible and desirable in its current form. The previous Oostbrug council debate ended with commitments to improve disclosure but no substantive decision on a revised bridge. Alternatives such as the IJ-klopper cycle tunnel may receive renewed attention because of the gap, although no new formal decision has been taken on them. Until the executive publishes the next documents, both the final price and a revised opening date remain uncertain.
Pont is not an official GVB product and is not affiliated with GVB, the City of Amsterdam or the Amsterdam Transport Authority. We summarise public reporting by AT5 and NH Nieuws and public project information from the city to explain what the development may mean for ferry passengers. The €169.5 million figure is the current gap for the cheapest option and not a final account. No formal decision has yet set a new opening date or selected an alternative to the bridge. Always check current departure times and official GVB travel information before travelling.