Utrecht Maps WWII Bombs
- A thorough map reveals that 2.5 percent of Utrecht is designated as potentially hazardous due to unexploded ordnance from World War II.
- Identified as "verdachte" (suspect) areas,these locations are highlighted in orange on the map.
- The Rivierenbuurt is also marked in orange, recalling the incendiary bombs dropped there in July 1941.
Table of Contents
- Utrecht’s WWII Bomb map: Uncovering Hidden Explosives
- Utrecht’s WWII Bomb Map: Uncovering Hidden explosives – Q&A
A thorough map reveals that 2.5 percent of Utrecht is designated as potentially hazardous due to unexploded ordnance from World War II. This includes a range of explosives such as airplane bombs, landmines, hand grenades, and rockets.
Stationsgebied
Identified as “verdachte” (suspect) areas,these locations are highlighted in orange blank”>on the map. The Utrecht stationsgebied (station area), as an example, was targeted by Allied bombers due to the suspected presence of trains carrying components for German V2 rockets.
The Rivierenbuurt is also marked in orange, recalling the incendiary bombs dropped there in July 1941. Additionally, the areas surrounding the forts on the eastern side of the city, where ammunition was left behind, are also considered suspect.
Archieven
The creation of the bommenkaart (bomb map) followed an extensive ancient inquiry. The municipality emphasizes that residents and workers in these orange zones need not worry. “Niet ontplofte explosieven blijven stabiel zolang ze niet worden verstoord” (“Unexploded explosives remain stable provided that they are not disturbed”). They add that “Bij werkzaamheden in de grond of bij zware trillingen kan het risico iets toenemen, maar dit blijft zeer klein” (“The risk may slightly increase during ground work or heavy vibrations, but this remains very small”). However, additional investigation is required for activities such as pile driving, dredging, digging, and othre ground work within these suspect areas.