Tønsberg canal bridge, Heritage road bridge in Tønsberg, Norway
Tønsberg canal bridge is a bascule bridge with two movable sections that span approximately 89 meters across the Sten Canal. The structure connects mainland Tønsberg with Nøtterøy island and allows maritime traffic to pass beneath when opened.
The bridge was completed in 1957 and represented a major step forward in Norwegian infrastructure development. It created the first permanent road connection between areas that had previously been accessible only by ferry.
The bridge represents mid-20th century engineering practices and serves as a recognizable landmark for local residents. It connects two areas of the municipality that would otherwise be separated by the canal.
Crossing is free and available daily for pedestrians and vehicles at any time. To watch the bridge open, plan your visit around scheduled opening times, particularly during warmer months when boat traffic is more frequent.
What makes this bridge special is its hidden counterweight system beneath the roadway that lifts the bascule sections without visible cables or motors. This 1957 mechanism still operates the same way today and shows the cleverness of mechanical engineering from that era.
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