Amsterdam has been collapsing for years. Now it’s paying the price

Katja Brokke, CNN
6 minute read
Updated 12:39 PM EDT, Sat August 22, 2020
<strong>Sinking city:</strong> Amsterdam is facing some huge infrastructural challenges after years of unheeded warnings regarding its crumbling structures.<br />
Sinking city: Amsterdam is facing some huge infrastructural challenges after years of unheeded warnings regarding its crumbling structures.
Gemeente Amsterdam
<strong>Neglected sites:</strong> Cracks and sinkholes are popping up alongside the Dutch capital's waterways, while quay walls are crumbling against houseboats.
Neglected sites: Cracks and sinkholes are popping up alongside the Dutch capital's waterways, while quay walls are crumbling against houseboats.
Gemeente Amsterdam
<strong>Rescue mission: </strong>According to experts, only an enormous makeover can save the Dutch capital from crumbling into the water it's built upon.
Rescue mission: According to experts, only an enormous makeover can save the Dutch capital from crumbling into the water it's built upon.
Gemeente Amsterdam
<strong>Centuries old: </strong>Many of the city's structures were built over 500 years ago, and it appears the municipality may have neglected to keep tabs on a number of them over time.
Centuries old: Many of the city's structures were built over 500 years ago, and it appears the municipality may have neglected to keep tabs on a number of them over time.
Collection Jacob Olie, May 18 1895
<strong>Critical work: </strong>In the next few years, around 27 bridges will be renovated, 800 meters of quay walls are to be renewed and officials will begin preparations for the replacement of about 3,800 meters of quay walls.
Critical work: In the next few years, around 27 bridges will be renovated, 800 meters of quay walls are to be renewed and officials will begin preparations for the replacement of about 3,800 meters of quay walls.
Gemeente Amsterdam
<strong>Critical work:</strong> In the next few years, around 27 bridges in the city will be renovated, 800 meters of quay walls are to be renewed and preparations will begin for the replacement of about 3,800 meters of quay walls.
Critical work: In the next few years, around 27 bridges in the city will be renovated, 800 meters of quay walls are to be renewed and preparations will begin for the replacement of about 3,800 meters of quay walls.
Gemeente Amsterdam
Amsterdam is undergoing urgent repairs to stop it collapsing into the water