Zeeland Bridge, Cantilever bridge in Zeeland, Netherlands
The Zeeland Bridge crosses the Eastern Scheldt with 54 concrete piers carrying 52 sections over a length of 5022 meters (about 3 miles). Each section rests on cantilever-style supports made of reinforced concrete that resist the water flow.
The province of Zeeland built this connection between 1963 and 1965 to replace the ferry line between Zierikzee and Kats. Growing car traffic had overwhelmed the old ferry service and made a permanent solution necessary.
The name refers to the province of Zeeland, whose connection needs drove the construction. Cyclists use a dedicated path parallel to the traffic lanes and experience the expanse of water without engine noise.
The bridge carries the N256 with two lanes and a narrow cycle path on the west side, separated by concrete barriers; there is no emergency lane or escape option in case of breakdown. A 40-metre bascule section near the north end opens for shipping, about 4,000 times a year. Average traffic is around 10,000 vehicles per day.
When the structure opened in 1965, it held the title of longest bridge in Europe with its 95-meter (310-foot) spans. In 2015 it received Rijksmonument status, recognizing the importance of Dutch reconstruction-period architecture.
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