Spieringbrug

Opened in 2015, the Spieringbrug isn’t just a bridge. It’s a living testament to Muiden’s history. The Spieringbrug gracefully arches over the Utrechtse Vecht, connecting the past with the present. Its name, a nod to the town’s “spiering” nickname. Spiering, meaning smelt, a small fish once abundant in the local waters. This nickname reflects Muiden’s rich fishing heritage. This bridge replaced the older Vechtbrug Muiden which crossed the Vecht since the 1960s. The Spieringbrug became necessary after the A1 highway was rerouted and widened. The old access points for local traffic disappeared. The Spieringbrug ensured that Muiden remained connected. This modern marvel stands in stark contrast to the narrow, almost antiquated bridge in Muiden’s center. The Spieringbrug boasts a unique design, an unbalanced bridge where the deck is hydraulically lifted. Two triangular steel arms, each housing a large hydraulic cylinder, raise and lower the deck. This ingenious mechanism was chosen for its visibility. The designers wanted the public to appreciate the bridge’s mechanics without overwhelming the surrounding landscape. The Spieringbrug stretches 100 meters across the Vecht, its deck a generous 16.5 meters wide. A 1×2 lane road and a separate bike path span the bridge. Beneath the composite deck, a poem dedicated to the Utrechtse Vecht awaits those gazing upwards during a bridge opening. Look closely at the bridge’s ironwork, and you’ll find the name “Spieringbrug” skillfully incorporated into the design. The Spieringbrug is a testament to clever engineering and a thoughtful homage to Muiden’s past.