Fietsbrug Nigtevecht, Bicycle bridge in Stichtse Vecht, Netherlands
The Fietsbrug Nigtevecht is a bicycle bridge crossing the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal in Stichtse Vecht with a span of approximately 600 meters. It features a 5-meter-wide deck for cyclists and pedestrians and provides about 10 meters of clearance height for water vessels to pass underneath.
The bridge opened in 2018 and replaced a ferry service that operated since 1952. The ferry had been introduced after the canal was widened, which ended use of an earlier swing bridge.
The bridge reflects Dutch commitment to cycling and connects two communities directly for everyday journeys. It serves as a practical link that residents use daily rather than a symbolic landmark.
The bridge features hairpin turns and U-shaped stairs to manage the elevation changes needed for vessel clearance. Users should be aware of these features when crossing by bicycle or on foot, especially if carrying luggage.
The structure uses a network arch design with 52 hangers distributed across both sides, requiring less steel than conventional arch bridges. This approach creates a slender form that appears less visually heavy than comparable large crossings.
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