rijkswaterstaat

Rijkswaterstaat is the Dutch national agency responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and management of the main road and waterway networks in the Netherlands. It operates under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and acts as the executive body for the government’s public works program. Its duties include the planning and upkeep of highways, tunnels, bridges, and other major transportation infrastructure, as well as the management of major waterways, locks, shipping channels, and flood defenses. It also oversees flood risk management, water level control, and coastal protection, in partnership with regional authorities and water boards, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and resilience to climate change. Traffic management, incident response, and the integration of sustainable mobility solutions are part of its mandate, along with the modernization of infrastructure through digitalization and new construction methods.

Rijkswaterstaat has historical roots in the Netherlands’ public works and water management institutions dating back to the 18th century and has operated as the national executive agency under the ministry in recent decades. Its work covers the nationwide network of major roads and waterways, the Delta Works flood defenses, and strategic cross-border and inland waterway projects. The agency collaborates with provinces, municipalities, soil and water authorities, and private contractors to deliver projects and ensure the safety and reliability of the country’s transport and water systems.