Eilandbrug, Cable-stayed bridge in Kampen, Netherlands
The Eilandbrug is a cable-stayed bridge over the IJssel River in Kampen measuring 412 meters long. A central pylon carries the main span through steel cables, while a movable bridge section provides 14 meters of clearance for ships to pass.
The structure was built between 1994 and 2003 by the Dutch Ministry of Transport to connect the N50 highway across the IJssel River. Its completion in 2003 marked the opening of this modern crossing linking both riverbanks.
The bridge allows passage for traditional sailing vessels of the brown fleet, a collection of historic Dutch sailing ships based in Kampen. This connection shapes the daily river landscape and links maritime heritage with modern transportation.
The movable bridge section opens for tall sailing vessels, meaning pedestrians and cyclists may need to wait briefly at times. The best times to cross are early morning or late afternoon when vehicle traffic is lighter.
The structure uses vibration dampeners to control oscillations and reduce natural resonance. This engineering solution ensures the bridge remains stable even with wind and heavy vehicle traffic.
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