Wilhelminabrug, bridge in Netherlands
The Wilhelminabrug is a drawbridge in Leiden that spans the Rijn-Schiekanaal and serves cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. The structure features a steel framework with a movable section that lifts to allow boats to pass underneath.
The bridge was built between 1918 and 1919 to enable shipping on the Rijn-Schiekanaal and improve connections between Leiden and Utrecht. The original structure was replaced in 1963 with a wider version to handle increased traffic.
The bridge is named after Queen Wilhelmina, a significant figure in Dutch history. This naming connects the structure to the country's royal heritage and historical identity.
The bridge opens regularly during the day to allow boat traffic, so visitors should expect brief delays to road traffic. Sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides provide safe crossing for all types of traffic.
In the 1980s, a small poem was added to the moving part of the bridge that reads 'Wind - water - air - ship - greeting - watchman - us - wait'. This unexpected poetic inscription gives the functional structure an emotional character.
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