Son bridge, Vertical-lift bridge in Son en Breugel, Netherlands.
Son bridge is a vertical-lift bridge crossing the Wilhelmina Canal with two parallel towers supporting a movable central deck. The deck rises straight up to permit boat passage while allowing road traffic to continue above when the bridge is closed.
The original bridge was destroyed during World War II and replaced in 1944 by British forces using a temporary Bailey bridge structure. This emergency crossing was later replaced by the permanent vertical-lift bridge that stands today.
The bridge serves as a gathering place where local people watch boats pass below and share stories about life along the waterway. It has become a social meeting point where daily observations of canal traffic connect the community.
The bridge is open year-round for both road and water traffic, with regular maintenance keeping the lift system in good working order. Visitors should expect periodic brief closures when the bridge lifts to allow boat passage through the canal.
The bridge uses a counterweight system precisely calibrated to match the deck weight, allowing smooth lifting with very little energy demand. This clever engineering design makes it a remarkably efficient solution for daily operation.
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