Traffic on the A1 highway near Amsterdam has returned to normal following a major incident involving twelve vehicles. The collision, which occurred at the Watergraafsmeer junction, caused significant disruption during the morning rush hour, with the road largely closed for several hours on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
The incident began unfolding around 6:45 AM local time, prompting a response from emergency services, including an ambulance, according to the ANWB, the Dutch automobile association. While the extent of any injuries remains unclear, authorities confirmed that five vehicles required towing from the scene. The disruption led to substantial traffic congestion, with motorists advised to seek alternative routes via the A9 and A2 highways.
Rijkswaterstaat Verkeersinformatie, the Dutch road authority, reported that only one lane was initially open, exacerbating the traffic buildup. The agency urged drivers heading towards Amsterdam to utilize detours. By approximately 9:00 AM, however, the road was fully reopened, though residual delays were anticipated.
The cause of the chain-reaction collision is currently under investigation.
Here’s a look at the situation as reported by Rijkswaterstaat Verkeersinformatie:
❌ | Vlak voor knp. Watergraafsmeer is op de #A1 een kettingbotsing gebeurd. Verkeer richting Ring-Zuid heeft maar één rijstrook waardoor de file snel oploopt. Ga je via de A1 naar Amsterdam, volg dan de omleiding. 👇 Rond 09.00 uur zijn we klaar met bergen. pic.twitter.com/2kT7LFSgUp
— Rijkswaterstaat Verkeersinformatie (@RWSverkeersinfo) March 10, 2026
Authorities successfully managed traffic flow through the use of the hard shoulder as a temporary lane during the peak of the congestion. The ANWB reported that the file “quickly increased” as a result of the limited capacity. NH Nieuws confirmed the road was fully reopened, but cautioned drivers to expect some lingering delays.
While initial reports indicated fourteen vehicles were involved, Hart van Nederland later clarified the number as twelve. Police have stated that no one was injured in the incident, and the majority of the vehicles were able to drive away under their own power.
The A1 is a major thoroughfare connecting Amsterdam with other parts of the Netherlands, and disruptions on this route often have a significant impact on regional traffic patterns. The quick response from emergency services and road authorities helped to mitigate the effects of the collision and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.
Looking ahead, authorities will likely focus on determining the cause of the collision to prevent similar incidents in the future. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution and maintain safe following distances, especially during periods of inclement weather or heavy traffic.
Share your thoughts on this incident and how it impacted your commute in the comments below.
