Ever wonder how Amsterdam balances its bustling city life with its vital waterways? The answer lies partly in structures like the Westerkeersluis. This bascule bridge in Amsterdam West is more than just a way to cross the Westerkanaal. It is a crucial piece of infrastructure with a fascinating story.
The Westerkeersluis connects the Van Diemenstraat and Tasmanstraat. It forms part of the S100 Centrumring. Look north and you will see the Westerkanaalwaterkering’s wooden lock gates. These separate the city from the IJ. South of the Westerkeersluis is the Westerkanaalschutsluis. This helps regulate water levels between the Westerkanaal and the IJ.
Let’s step back in time to 1876. The Westerkanaal was newly dug. A double drawbridge spanned the canal. It was smaller than other bridges. This suited the light pedestrian traffic of the time. By 1895, this bridge was replaced by a double wooden drawbridge. But it needed replacing again by 1919.
Wichert Arend de Graaf designed a single iron drawbridge. It cost 70000 guilders. De Graaf proudly shared photos with his colleague Adriaan Dwars. Dwars praised the bridge’s aesthetics. He also suggested improvements that were not implemented here. Back then the Westerkeersluis was known as the Tasmanbrug.
Fast forward to 1961. The bridge was wearing out after being opened 21000 times in 1960 alone. Traffic was increasing. A new bridge was essential. Planners considered minimizing shipping traffic. They thought about digging the Kanaal om de West but shelved the idea. Instead the Westerkeersluis was rebuilt and widened in 1962.
The Westerkeersluis was also realigned. It now sits at an angle for better traffic flow. This bridge renewal was part of a larger project. Bridges 345, 349 and Zoutkeetsbrug were also upgraded. Joop den Uyl and Gerrit Feiko Janssonius opened the new Westerkeersluis on November 24, 1962. Dirk Sterenberg designed the Westerkeersluis and the other three bridges. His early work shows influence from Piet Kramer. You can see it in the bridge’s substructure. Look for the brick and natural stone work and the terrace-like seating near the bridge. Basalt stones line the quay walls and abutments.
The original cube-shaped bridge house was replaced around 2000. It no longer met safety standards. Gerrit de Vries designed a new bridge operator’s office. It opened on November 24, 2004. From here operators control the Westerkeersluis. They also manage bridges 345 and 349, the Houtmanspoorbrug, the keersluis and the Westerkanaalschutsluis. The office also served as a harbor fee collection point. It even became an administrative hub for Amsterdam’s bridge services.
In 1991, cracks were found in the Westerkeersluis’s steel main girders. The bridge was temporarily closed for repairs. Like Amsterdam the Westerkeersluis has seen changes. It has evolved to meet the city’s needs. Next time you cross it take a moment to appreciate its history and vital role.