Willemsbrug, Cable-stayed bridge in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Willemsbrug is a cable-stayed bridge in Rotterdam featuring two red towers that rise 50 meters above the Nieuwe Maas and connect via steel cables. The structure spans 270 meters and carries multiple traffic lanes along with dedicated paths for bicycles and pedestrians on its deck.
An earlier bridge built in 1878 was replaced in 1981 by the current structure, which modernized Rotterdam during a period of major growth. The new bridge was part of plans to improve traffic connections across the city.
The bridge links the city center with a popular residential area and forms part of daily life for thousands of commuters crossing the river. You'll see a constant mix of cars, bicycles, and pedestrians sharing the same route throughout the day.
The bridge is always open to pedestrians and cyclists and offers clear views across the river from above. Visitors should note that the entrance and exit feature sharp 90-degree turns rather than straight alignments.
The two red towers are clearly visible from different angles across the city and serve as a distinctive landmark for locals. This visibility makes the bridge a visual reference point in Rotterdam's constantly changing cityscape.
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