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Campus Development Campus Development

Replacement quay walls and bridges at Grimburgwal

Many of the quay walls in Amsterdam’s historic city centre are in a vulnerable condition. This also applies to several quay walls in the University Quarter. In September 2020, the quay wall along Grimburgwal – adjacent to the BG2 building – collapsed. The City of Amsterdam will replace a large number of quay walls and bridges over the coming decades. This includes the quay walls at Grimburgwal.
  • Our task

    Following the temporary repairs carried out after the 2020 collapse, the City of Amsterdam will begin extensive restoration works in and around Grimburgwal in 2026. Between 2026 and 2029, the quay walls will be restored and two bridges in the area will also be renewed. Before this can take place, cables and pipelines located in the bridges will first need to be rerouted, removed or replaced. These preparatory works are expected to begin in June 2025.

    Map of the quay wall restoration area at Grimburgwal, click the image to enlarge. (source: City of Amsterdam)

    What will be replaced? 
    Also see the accompanying map

    Over the coming years, the City will replace the following quay walls and bridges at Grimburgwal, as shown in :

    • Grimburgwal quay walls: At the UvA, between the Turfdraagsterpad and Bridge 218, and between Grimburgwal 7 and 15.

    • Bridge 218: over the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, including the adjoining quay wall until bridge 201.

    • Bridge 201 (Sleutelbrug): over the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.

    These activities will affect local accessibility. The University of Amsterdam will inform its students and staff about any expected disruptions. The City of Amsterdam will also keep local residents and businesses informed and will organise public information sessions.

  • Timeline

    • 2020: Temporary safety measures, to allow safe use of the Grimburgwal, completed.

    • 2024 – 2025: Preparatory works, with construction on cables and pipelines expected to begin in June 2025.

    • 2026: Replacement quay walls Grimburgwal.

    • Summer 2026 – Autumn 2027: Replacement of Bridge 218 (Gasthuisbrug) and the adjacent section of quay wall.

    • Autumn 2027 – Early 2029: Replacement of Bridge 201.

    Please note: This timeline is indicative and subject to change. For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit the City of Amsterdam’s project page for the Grimburgwal quay.

The Grimburgwal. Photo: Monique Kooijmans
More information

This project is being carried out on behalf of the City of Amsterdam by the Bridges and Quay Walls Programme. For any specific questions or remarks, we kindly refer you to the project’s area manager, Léonie Deij, at: leonie.deij@amsterdam.nl  or
+31 (0)6 43654154.

For more details, please visit:

  • The BouwApp, where the City shares updates about this project. You can download the app via the app stores or view it directly in your browser here .

  • The City of Amsterdam’s project page on the Grimburgwal quay, which also includes the most up-to-date planning information.

View the Grimburgwal project page on the City of Amsterdam website