Here stands the Anna van Saksenbrug. This bridge carries the Willem de Zwijgerlaan over the Rijpgracht in Amsterdam-West. It’s more than just a crossing. It is a testament to Amsterdam’s history and ingenuity.
The Anna van Saksenbrug dates back to 1936. Piet Kramer designed it. He was working for the Dienst der Publieke Werken at the time. The bridge showcases the Amsterdam School style. But it’s simpler than some of Kramer’s other works.
The city funded the bridge using the Werkfonds. This fund combatted unemployment during tough economic times. The Anna van Saksenbrug provided jobs. It offered a small wage to workers.
Look closely at the Anna van Saksenbrug. You’ll notice something unusual. Extra brughoofden stand on the Westelijk Marktkanaal side. These were intended for an additional bridge. That bridge was planned for a tram line but it was never built. No one knows if it was for the city tram or the Amsterdam to Zandvoort tramline.
Amsterdam wanted to reroute the Haarlemse tram. The city saw the tram line on Admiraal de Ruijterweg as an obstacle. The NZH, which had a concession until 1954, didn’t agree with this plan. Tram tracks were installed on the Beltbrug and Jan van Galenbrug during construction. These were later removed. They would have been part of a tram line via Jan van Galenstraat. This line would head towards Bos en Lommerweg and further West towards Zandvoort.
For many years, the Anna van Saksenbrug was simply known by its bridge number 383. Some called it the Landlustbrug unofficially. This was after a farm on Haarlemmerweg. The surrounding neighborhood is called Landlust. In 2006, the bridge received its official name. It was named after Anna van Saksen. She was the second wife of Willem de Zwijger.
Bus 21 used this bridge from 1976 to 2006. Since 2005, bus 80 has crossed the Anna van Saksenbrug. Consider the story of Anna van Saksenbrug as you pass. It connects not just roads but also the past and the present.