Willemsspoorbrug, Railway bridge in Rotterdam, Netherlands
The Willemsspoorbrug was a railway bridge spanning the Nieuwe Maas river in Rotterdam, built with a steel structure to connect the northern and southern parts of the city. The construction allowed trains to cross the river and serve both sides of Rotterdam's urban areas.
The bridge opened in 1877 and served as a major railway link for over a century until its closure in the 1990s. It was then replaced by the Willemsspoortunnel, reflecting the city's changing transportation needs.
The bridge was for decades a symbol of Rotterdam's industrial identity, shaping how the city connected across the river. Its presence linked communities on both sides and represented the city's growth as a modern transportation hub.
The remains of this structure can still be spotted from the riverbanks and nearby vantage points around Rotterdam. Walking along the Nieuwe Maas gives visitors a chance to observe these historical elements within the city's modern landscape.
After its closure in 1994, the bridge's support pillars were partially submerged in the riverbed and can occasionally be seen when water levels drop. These remnants stand as evidence of 19th century engineering skill and remain part of the river's visual story.
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