Hedel Bridge, Railroad bridge in Maasdriel and 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Hedel Bridge is a railroad structure that crosses the Meuse River between Maasdriel and 's-Hertogenbosch. The bridge features a central steel arch section with extended girder spans at both ends to handle changing water levels.
The bridge was built in 1870 and replaced an earlier pontoon crossing from 1861 that had to be removed during winter. This permanent structure enabled year-round rail service across the river without seasonal disruptions.
The bridge represents a significant advancement in Dutch transportation infrastructure, connecting the agricultural regions of Gelderland with the urban center of 's-Hertogenbosch.
The structure carries regular train traffic between the provinces of Gelderland and North Brabant. Visitors can view it from nearby locations on either bank or observe it while traveling across by rail.
The bridge incorporates special expansion joints that allow the steel to move with temperature changes. This engineering detail has enabled the structure to function reliably for more than 150 years without major rebuilding.
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