Nijmegen railway bridge

Nijmegen railway bridge spans the Waal River for 675 meters using robust steel trusses in its design. The structure carries two railway tracks and since 2004 also the Snelbinder, a path dedicated to bicycle traffic.

The bridge was completed in 1879 and became a crucial target during Operation Market Garden in 1944 when Allied forces fought to secure this crossing. This battle over the structure shaped its role in the region's wartime history.

The southern entrance displays architectural details that echo Nijmegen's medieval fortifications and shape how the city looks from below. These design choices connect the structure to the older identity of the place.

The structure is generally accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, with the Snelbinder offering a dedicated route across the bridge. Late afternoon visits work well when the sun is low and the steel framework casts interesting shadows.

The original brick abutment was preserved as a protected monument after local residents protested during the 1983 reconstruction. This fragment shows how community opposition secured the survival of an older piece of the structure.

Location: Nijmegen

Architects: Johannes Gregorius van den Bergh, Pierre Cuypers

Official opening: 1879

Length: 675 m

Longest Span: 235 m

GPS coordinates: 51.85250,5.85694

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02