Moreelsebrug, Steel footbridge and viaduct in Utrecht, Netherlands.
The Moreelsebrug is a steel pedestrian bridge and viaduct spanning about 295 meters that connects the Dichterswijk district with Mariaplaats in Utrecht's center. It crosses over railroad tracks and includes elevators and dedicated routes for people with bicycles.
The bridge takes its name from Hendrick Moreelse, a 17th-century mayor of Utrecht, and opened in December 2016 after construction lasting roughly 18 months. The project was built to create a safe crossing over busy railroad tracks that separate neighborhoods.
The crossing shows how Utrecht prioritizes movement by foot and bicycle, offering residents a direct route over the rail corridor without needing other transport. People from the surrounding neighborhood use it daily as a natural shortcut to reach the city center.
The crossing works well for pedestrians and cyclists, with stairs and elevators available on both ends. Cyclists need to walk their bikes through the designated sections, so crossing takes a few minutes more than on ground level.
A row of 17 Persian ironwood trees lines the central strip of the bridge, an unusual touch for a steel structure over rail tracks. These trees were specially chosen to grow well in the exposed, elevated environment.
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