Stadsbrug Zwijndrecht, Double bascule bridge over Oude Maas in Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht, Netherlands.
The Stadsbrug Zwijndrecht connects Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht across the Oude Maas river and features a fixed section with a movable double bascule mechanism. This design allows maritime traffic to pass through while keeping the rest of the structure stable for road users.
The bridge was built in 1939 as part of the A16 motorway and served as a vital connection for decades. After 1977, the Drechttunnel was built to handle increasing traffic, reducing the pressure on this crossing.
Residents on each side use different names for this bridge: Dordrecht inhabitants call it Zwijndrechtse brug, while Zwijndrecht locals refer to it as Dordtse brug. This reflects how each community views the structure as their own gateway to the opposite shore.
The bridge opens several times daily to allow maritime traffic to pass, with each opening lasting a few minutes. Expect occasional traffic delays if visiting during busy periods, and watch for the movement of the bascule sections.
A precise replica of this bridge stands in Madurodam, a miniature park with detailed models of Dutch landmarks. The miniature version has been part of the park since 1996 and remains popular with visitors.
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