A31 motorway (Netherlands)

It connects the A7 near Zurich with the A7 near Drachten, passing close to Leeuwarden, the provincial capital of Friesland.

This section from Zurich to Harlingen is designated as the N31, but retains the motorway-style grade separated intersections.

For the next 18 km, until exit 22 for Marssum, the road is once again designated the A31 and is built to motorway standards.

In the opinion of the NL government, Harlingen-Port was/is doomed to be insulated but, Harlingens' and Friesland/Gronings isolation was decided politically and not on a geographical basis.

The highway was built without escape lanes, like the 'n31' connection Leeuwarden onto Drachten.... and therefore more dangerous, because of no entrance to emergency 112 vehicles in case of accidents.