Slauerhoffbrug, Bascule road bridge in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.
The Slauerhoffbrug is a bascule bridge crossing the Harlingervaart in Leeuwarden with two mechanical arms that lift a 15-meter section of roadway (49 feet). This design allows boats to pass underneath while the road section rises clear of the water.
Engineer Emile Asari designed and completed the bridge in 2000 as part of Leeuwarden's infrastructure modernization efforts. This development improved the city's transportation links and allowed continued water traffic while maintaining road access.
The bridge's yellow and blue colors match Leeuwarden's city flag, making it a visible symbol of local pride. This color choice becomes especially noticeable when the structure lifts and reveals its painted metal surfaces.
The bridge lifts around ten times daily to allow vessels through, with each complete lifting operation taking about three minutes. Pedestrians and vehicles can freely cross when the structure is not raised.
The entire road section lifts straight up and away from its original position, rather than rotating like traditional drawbridges. This vertical lift system is unusual and stands out from most other moving bridge mechanisms.
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