Road Transfer

Until recently, HHNK was responsible for the management and maintenance of roads in 23 of the 30 municipalities, spread across the entire management area. From Texel to Amsterdam North and from Uitgeest to Hollands Kroon. A responsibility that has grown up historically, but does not really fit in with our water tasks. 

Roads to municipalities

Since 2014, we have been in discussions with the municipalities in which our polder and dike roads are located to explore whether and how road management can be transferred to the municipalities. In many cases, this has already happened. On January 1, 2019, road management was transferred to the municipality of Alkmaar. In subsequent years, we transferred the roads to the municipalities of Hollands Kroon, Schagen, Oostzaan, Hoorn, Uitgeest, Drechterland, Enkhuizen, Koggenland, Medemblik, Opmeer and Stede Broec. On July 1, 2024, the takeover by the municipality of Wormerland took place, and on January 1, 2025, Edam-Volendam took over road management. The Zaanse and Amsterdam dike roads were also transferred as of January 1, 2025.

Water board Arnold Langeveld hands over the Kwadijker Bridge to Alderman Kees Schilder of the Edam-Volendam municipality (photo Harry Schuitemaker)

One point of contact for roads

If the roads are transferred, the municipality has control over the entire road area. The municipality can then make its own choices about road design, new access roads for expansions such as new housing developments, take independent decisions about road closures at events and about lighting and trees, for example. For residents, it is convenient to have a single point of contact for complaints, suggestions and permits. 

Road tax to transfer 

As of March 1, 2025, we have transferred the management and maintenance of 28 km of roads, including 11 km of bicycle paths, to the municipality of Landsmeer. Because this transfer took place during the year, there is still a road charge on the water board tax assessment for 2025. The assessment for tenants has already been sent out in January; that for property owners will follow this spring. We levy this tax to pay for road maintenance, so Landsmeer residents' revenues will be shared with the municipality of Landsmeer in 2025. Starting next year, the municipality will charge for additional road management and maintenance through municipal taxes.  

Since March 1, HHNK only manages roads in Purmerend and Waterland, a total of 214 km. We are in talks with both municipalities about the transfer of these polder and dike roads.