Didn’t Amsterdam already have a bridge 308? Let’s unravel the tale of the Meerbrug.
The Meerbrug stands firm in Amsterdam-Noord. It carries the Kadoelenweg over a quiet canal. This canal the Meersloot flows parallel to the Stoombootweg.
Once upon a time, Landsmeer owned this land. The Meerbrug became a vital part of the Kadoelenweg. It reappeared quickly after the Storm flood of 1916. Back then, it was part of Dorpsstraat.
However, by April 1928, the Meerbrug had decayed. It needed replacing. The local authorities considered three options. They could fill the canal. Some locals objected because boats needed to pass. The second option involved a movable bridge needing manual operation. The third option was a fixed bridge. It would have a low clearance of about one meter. Its width would be 5.5 meters.
The authorities chose the fixed bridge. A local supervisor designed it. A contractor offered to build it for 5700 guilders. They needed to act fast. The Waterlander newspaper reported that the Meerbrug wasn’t pretty.
The new Meerbrug had stone balustrades. Around 1955, the bridge was altered again. The roads needed widening for more traffic. In 1966, Amsterdam annexed this area. The Meerbrug became Amsterdam’s property.
Today, the Meerbrug is a culvert bridge. Only canoes and kayaks can pass underneath. Its shape is unusual. The east side is perpendicular. The west side angles. The railings are metal and painted blue. They feature lights behind plastic windows. These lights are powered by old GEB electrical boxes from 1941-1985. Flower boxes adorn the railings.
The Meerbrug got its name from Het Meertje. This translates to ‘The Little Lake’. It is a local area near the Wilmkebreek canal.
Interestingly, Amsterdam once had another bridge numbered 308. It was located at the other end of the city. It spanned the Boerenwetering on the Zuidelijke Wandelweg. That bridge existed until at least 1954. Its demolition remains a mystery.
So, while simple in appearance, the Meerbrug carries a rich story. It speaks of floods, local decisions, and Amsterdam’s ever-changing landscape. It quietly helps connect us to the other side.