Defusing bombs
Defusing bombs near Moordrecht
Two unexploded bombs from World War II have been found near the A20 railway bridge in Moordrecht. They have been here for almost 80 years and do not pose an immediate danger to the surroundings. The bombs are located in the work area where Rijkswaterstaat will be widening the A20. It is therefore necessary to defuse and remove them. This will happen during the night of November 16 to 17, 2024, between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. An emergency order will be in effect during this time. More information about this can be found on this page.
No danger to the surroundings
The bombs will be defused in November by members of the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EOD). This service is part of the Ministry of Defence. Each year, this service defuses about 2,500 bombs or grenades. The chance of something going wrong is very small.
Emergency order
To ensure there is no danger to residents, an emergency order will be in effect during the night of November 16 to 17, 2024, between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
What does this mean for the immediate area?
No one may be present within a radius of 300 meters of the site. A large area around it will be closed to all traffic. The map on this page shows the area involved (blue line). Those who live or work in this area must not leave their homes or businesses and must stay inside during the night of November 16 to 17. The residents and business owners affected have been informed about this.
Area accessibility
During the night of November 16 to 17, the A20 motorway, the N457, and the N207 will be closed in both directions. There will also be no rail traffic between Gouda and Rotterdam, Gouda and The Hague, and Gouda and Alphen aan den Rijn.
map defusion boms
Information meeting in September
For residents and businesses in the immediate area, an information meeting will be held after the summer holidays on September 12 at 7:00 PM. This will take place at the Pleisterplaats restaurant in Moordrecht. Employees from the municipality, the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EOD), and Rijkswaterstaat will be present. You can register for this meeting here:
If you do not live or work directly near the bomb site and still want to attend this information meeting, please contact the municipality at bomruiming@zuidplas.nl.
Questions and answers
You will find an overview of frequently asked questions and answers below. This page will be updated with answers to questions that we cannot answer yet.
If your question is not listed here, you can send your question to bomruiming@zuidplas.nl. You will receive an answer as soon as possible. If you prefer to speak with a municipal employee, please call (0180) 330 300 (available Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM).
Questions & answers
General
How did the bombs come to be in this area?
During World War II, the railway bridge near the A20 was an important target for our liberators (the Allies). Heavy bombardments occurred here. More than 100 bombs fell on the bridge, but none hit the target.
How were the bombs discovered?
Rijkswaterstaat is doing preparatory work to widen the A20 motorway. It is known that unexploded bombs or grenades may be present in this area. Because of this, investigation was begun in 2023.
Are these bombs dangerous?
These bombs have been buried in this area for almost 80 years and do not pose a danger to the surroundings.
However, it is necessary to take safety measures while the bombs are rendered safe. We are taking these measures to eliminate possible risks. You do not need to worry.
Why are the bombs being removed now?
Rijkswaterstaat plans to widen the A20 in this area. The bombs need to be removed for this. This will not happen until November because tracks and major roads need to be closed.
What kind of bombs are present?
They are ‘500-pounders’. These bombs were dropped by our liberators (the Allies) from aircraft during World War II. We have found these bombs in the Netherlands before.
Have we done this before in Zuidplas?
Yes, we have found potentially explosive material from World War II during work before.
Is it possible to watch the defusing of the bombs?
No, that is not possible. No one may be present in the area during the night of 16 to 17 November. Only members of the Explosieven Opruimingsdienst (Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service) will be permitted. The bombs will be removed to a safe place for destruction. More information on this will be provided on theia website.
About the emergency order
What is an emergency order?
An emergency order contains temporary measures (in this case) to have the bombs defused safely.
When will the bombs be rendered safe, and when does the emergency order apply?
During the night of 16 to 17 November 2024 between 23:00 and 07:00.
Can I go into my garden or onto my balcony?
No. At your address, you and any pets must stay indoors. You may not go into your garden or onto your balcony during that night.
What should I do with livestock and other animals that roam in the area?
It is recommended to keep animals inside or stabled during the night of 16 to 17 November.
What should I do with my pet that goes outside?
We recommend bringing your pet inside on time.
Can I leave my car where it is?
Yes, you can leave your car where it is. Do take into account that you may not enter the area the night that the emergency order applies. This means you will not be able to access your car there.
Will railways and roads be closed?
Yes, three railway lines, two provincial roads (N457 and N207) and the A20 motorway will be closed that night between 23:00 and 07:00. A single train will still run through the area between 23:00 and 02:00. We are planning for that.
I am organising a special activity on 16 and/or 17 November (e.g. wedding, anniversary, party). Can that proceed?
For safety reasons, no one may be outdoors within the area during the night of 16 to 17 November 2024 between 23:00 and 07:00. This means that activities with visitors cannot proceed on this night.
What should I do in case of an emergency situation that night?
In an emergency, call 112. You will receive the necessary assistance.
I am pregnant and 16/17 November is the estimated due date. What should I do?
Our advice is to find good lodgings during the night of 16 to 17 November. If you have questions about this, call the municipality at: (0180) 330 300.
What should I do if I need to leave my house during this night?
Carefully consider whether you need to leave your house that night. If so, we advise staying with friends or family. In an unexpected emergency, call us at (0180) 330 300.
How will I know when the area is open again?
The municipality will post messages on the website Zuidplas.nl and on the municipal social media.
About rendering the bomb safe
How does defusing actually work?
There are various ways of removing the detonator of the bomb. This makes the bomb safe for transport.
What happens if a bomb explodes?
The chance of a bomb exploding is very small. If something does go wrong, fragments can cause damage in the surroundings. The fragments can fly through a wider area. If you stay indoors, you are safe. This is why an emergency order is being applied and people need to stay inside their residences.
Where will the bomb be taken?
At this moment, it has not yet been determined where the bomb will be taken for destruction. We are in discussions about this. More information will soon be available on this page.
I have another question. Where can I find the answer?
You can read more questions and answers on this site. You can also call the municipality at the telephone number (0180) 330 300.
ATTENTION: this information is subject to change. For current information, check this page regularly and follow the Zuidplas municipality’s social media.
