Haven’t you ever wondered about a bridge named after a currency? The Lirabrug, a fixed bridge in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, boasts a unique story.
The Lirabrug connects De Alpen in the Bergenwijk neighborhood with the road around Ecuplein in Geldwijk. The Lirabrug gracefully spans both the Machinetocht canal and the Guldenpromenade foot and cycle path. Street names in this area reflect European currencies. These names and the Lirabrug itself emerged in the late 1990s, specifically after March 1997.
Initially, the Lirabrug existed anonymously, known only by its number, 1883. For nearly two decades, it remained nameless. In 2016 and 2017, the city of Amsterdam invited citizens to propose names for these anonymous bridges. Finally, in March 2017, the municipality approved the suggestion to name this bridge after the Turkish lira.
The Lirabrug features separate roadways resting on concrete spans. Each section is supported by a bridge support. This support consists of two vertical concrete piles and one diagonal pile standing on a base in the middle of the canal. A concrete beam rests on these three pillars. Diagonally placed lampposts stand on the diagonal pillars. They provide light to the bridge’s center. Stainless steel railings complete the structure. The Lirabrug is more than just a crossing. It is a symbol of Amsterdam’s diverse and modern urban landscape.