Bridges, Rotterdam

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The Erasmusbrug (Bridge of Erasmus) is a remarkable bridge between the centre of Rotterdam and the area of the "Kop van Zuid". The so called cable stayed bridge bridges the river of Meuse, is about 800 metres in length and got the nickname of Swan and Harp. It has been realized in between 1989 and 1996, and designed by Ben van Berkel. Costs? About € 63 miljoen!

The Erasmusbridge got special attention because in 1996, short after officially opened by Queen Beatrix, the bridge suddenly started to swing. That was scary and frightened so the bridge had to be renewed already then.

Still she justly is one of the most photographed and beloved objects of Rotterdam ...

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The Willemsbrug is called the "golden Gate bridge" of Rotterdam. It was built in 1981, but it had two predecessors which date back to 1878. That is not only because of its red colour. It was the last (or first depending of your point of view) bridge of the Nieuwe Maas until the Erasmusbrug was built in 1996. When you are at the city center side, just look at the right side of the bridge. You will find a strange sculpture which is often called by its nickname "de waslijn" (the laundry line). For more information about that, look for my tip called "Maasbeeld", which is also the real name of this sculpture.

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This bridge, completed in 1927, was the main trian bridge of Rotterdam until 1997. That was the year when a new tunnel was finished, removing almost all railroad infrastructure from the city center. The bridge is left as an industrial monument in upright position. The larger, northern part of the bridge is completely removed, but you can still see some remains of it, such as the fundaments in the Nieuwe Maas. At the side showing to the city center, you can walk on a small grass area where long time ago were railway tracks. The name “De Hef” means the lift and only refers to the part which could be lifted to that the big ships could pass by. Today, it is the nickname for the whole bridge.

Take a look at the second picture. There, you will see a large photo by Otto Snoek showing the old bridge. Have also a look at my tip “Maquette Oude Maasbruggen” for more bridge impressions.

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The opening of the Erasmus bridge was in september 1996. The bridge, designed by architect Ben van Berkel, became the new symbol for the city. The citizens give the bridge the nick name 'the swan'. The bridge with ne pylon towering above the water looks like a graceful swan.

The eye catching cable-stay bridge connects the original citycentre at the north bank with the new central districts in the south. The spectacular bridge has a 800 m span and a 139 m high bent pylon. The bridge deck is supported by steel cables.

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Before the construction of the eye catching Erasmus Bridge in 1997 the Willemsbrug was the main connection between the two banks of the river Nieuwe Maas in the citycentre of Rotterdam. The new Willemsbrug, designed by C. Veerling, is built in 1981. Under the bridge and river is the new railwaytunnel.

The Willems Brug (or Willemsbridge, named after King Willem III) with its two 50 M high striking red heads is located close to the Oude Haven (Old harbour) and the Cube Houses. At the background of the bridge you can find one of the most striking skylines of the Netherlands.

This is defenitely the most famous bridge of Rotterdam. The bridge connects the south of Rotterdam to the city centre. It was build in 1996, it's 800 meters long, 140 meters high and it's nickname is the Swan. Some rebuilding had to be done when it turned out that the bridge started swaying when there was a lot of wind.

In 1877-1878 Konninginebrudg was built that to join Noorder Eiland with the city. In 1927 the bridge was reconstructed cause of tram lines were places in the island. I wasn't near by but the guide on the boat I had on the river said the bridge has more decorative functions last times.

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If you are in Rotterdam you must be delighted by their's wonderful bridges. The best two of them are Erasmos bridge and Williams bridge. Bouth of them are greate constructions, but also beautiful parts of town to be see.