The cycle bridge has been part of the cycle route through the peat area for more than thirty years. Because inspections showed that its supporting structure has partly deteriorated, a completely new bridge is being built. It will have an anti-slip surface and a raised edge, so that cyclists and walkers can cross it more safely.
The footpath near Deurze to the Poepenhemeltje, an old earthwork fort, runs partly over wooden boardwalks through the wet stream valley. High water, currents and wear damaged a stretch of that boardwalk so badly that it had to be closed. It will be replaced by a new, wider boardwalk of about 150 metres, on which walkers can pass each other more easily.
During the work, Staatsbosbeheer will let visitors know on site what is and is not accessible. Questions about the bridge can go to forest ranger Linde Veldhoen (hartvandrenthe@staatsbosbeheer.nl), and questions about the boardwalk to forest ranger Jolijn Meier (drentscheaa@staatsbosbeheer.nl).
Both projects are part of a round of maintenance and renewal that Staatsbosbeheer is carrying out on bridges, boardwalks, viewpoints and routes in Drenthe. Much of this was built decades ago and, after heavy use and years of wind and weather, needs to be replaced or thoroughly repaired.