Westervoort bridge

The Westervoort Bridge is a steel railway crossing near Arnhem that carries train lines connecting the Netherlands to Germany and beyond. Its two parallel steel structures form a robust framework designed to support regular traffic across the waterway.

The crossing was built in the early 1900s as infrastructure expanded across Western Europe to link cities and nations by rail. The structure gained strategic importance during World War II when armies fought for control of river crossings in the region.

The bridge's name comes from its position west of Arnhem, which visitors recognize when traveling from the city center. It functions as a visible link between the Netherlands and Germany, shaping how people move across borders daily.

The bridge can be seen from nearby roads and viewing areas along the riverbank, making it accessible to those interested in railway infrastructure. Arriving by train itself offers the unique experience of crossing the structure and observing its engineering from within a passing carriage.

Few people realize that the bridge carries trains from two different railway companies operating separate lines that follow nearly identical paths across the structure. This dual operation means multiple trains can pass through at different times, creating an intricate scheduling puzzle that railway operators solve daily.

Location: Arnhem

Longest Span: 117.44 m

Part of: Oberhausen–Arnhem railway, Amsterdam–Arnhem railway

GPS coordinates: 51.96917,5.95861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:41