Stadsbrug, Kampen, Vertical-lift bridge in Kampen, Netherlands
Stadsbrug is a vertical-lift bridge in Kampen with four central steel columns filled with concrete that raise the deck to allow ships to pass beneath on the IJssel River. The structure is twice as wide as the bridge it replaced and includes separate pedestrian pathways protected by glass windbreaks on each side.
The bridge was built to replace an older structure while preserving Kampen's medieval street layout. Temporary crossings were needed during construction to keep the city connected.
The bridge connects the old town center with the station square through a passage that invites people to pause and watch river traffic. These viewing points are woven into daily routines and offer glimpses of life along the IJssel.
The deck lifts periodically to allow larger vessels through, which can mean brief waits for pedestrians and cyclists using the crossing. It helps to account for these occasional closures, especially during busy seasons or when river traffic is active.
Gold-plated pulley wheels positioned at the top of the tapered towers control the cables that raise the deck and give the structure a distinctive visual character. These technical details are easy to miss despite their role in shaping how the bridge appears.
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