Kuilenburgse spoorbrug, Railway bridge in Culemborg, Netherlands
The Kuilenburgse spoorbrug is a railway bridge in Culemborg that spans the Lek River and carries trains between Utrecht and Boxtel. The structure displays a characteristic arch design with modern steel construction completed in 1983.
The original bridge was built between 1863 and 1868 and held the record for the longest rail-only span in the world for many years. Today's structure from the 1980s replaced that original construction and uses more advanced engineering techniques.
The bridge defines Culemborg's skyline with its distinctive arch design that is visible from a distance. It shapes daily life for residents and commuters who regularly see trains crossing the river.
The bridge is visible from several points in the city but offers limited accessibility for pedestrians since it is primarily designed for railway traffic. Visitors can best observe the structure from the river banks or nearby roads.
The semi-parabolic arch design by engineer Gerrit van Diesen was an innovative solution when completed and received recognition in the 1980s. This specific design method later influenced the development of other railway bridges in the region.
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