Mexicobrug, Rolling lift bridge in Port of Antwerp, Belgium.
The Mexicobrug is a rolling lift bridge with two parallel, electrically powered Scherzer sections in Antwerp's port that span about 23 meters across a channel separating two dock areas. Both sections can be raised independently and are made of exposed steel, giving the structure an industrial appearance where you can clearly see how it works.
It was built between 1936 and 1941 and replaced an earlier hydraulic swing bridge that stood in the same location. Originally designed for rail traffic, it was later adapted to carry modern tram lines.
The bridge takes its name from the Mexican trade routes that once connected Europe through the port, reflecting Antwerp's global mercantile past. Walking along the docks, you can see how it still links two significant harbor areas and the activity around them.
The bridge is raised once a week upon request, and you can watch the movement from the surrounding docks. Ships signal their needs using VHF channel 69, so it is worth timing your visit if you want to see the mechanism in action.
The bridge was used during a 1997 art exhibition where artists created temporary installations on and around the structure. These creative interventions demonstrated how industrial infrastructure could serve as a canvas for artistic experimentation.
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