Pause for a moment and consider the story etched into the very structure of Brug 117. This fixed bridge resides in Amsterdam-Centrum. It carries traffic along the Rozengracht and spans the Lijnbaansgracht.
Brug 117 stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s ever-evolving urban landscape. A bridge existed here slightly south of its current location since 1885. This earlier bridge crossed the Lijnbaansgracht. It had a headland between the Rozengracht and Rozenstraat. On the opposite side stood the mill De Victor. Around 1848, this bridge was a drawbridge.
Around 1885, the municipality decided that the Rozengracht and not the Westerstraat would be the main road from Amsterdam-Centrum to Amsterdam-West. Amsterdam then stopped at the Lijnbaansgracht, with some sparse buildings. The Rozengracht was filled in. A breakthrough was made on the other side of the Rozengracht for Raadhuisstraat. Bridges over the Rozengracht had to be demolished. In that process, a bridge had to be built over the Lijnbaansgracht. The tendering process would last until 1890. This was partly because a tram concession had also been issued. The tramway director did not want an emergency bridge in 1888. He suspected that the permanent bridge would then be delayed further. In March 1891, only clinkers had to be laid and the balustrades placed for the new bridge.
By the winter of 1927 to 1928, Brug 117 needed widening due to increasing traffic. The old bridge was incorporated into the design. This is visible in the cantilevers. The Public Works Department designed the bridge. Some believe Piet Kramer influenced the design. It is known as being “from the office of” rather than definitively attributed. Kramer’s signature is found in the early Amsterdam School style. The wrought iron balustrades are typical of Kramer. They extend to the embankment. They are placed up to the beginning of the slope.
Brug 117 became a municipal monument in 1995. Rozengracht 229-233 near the bridge is also a municipal monument. The building at Rozengracht 226 is a national monument. For years, Brug 117 was known as Jordaanbrug. It was named after the Jordaan neighborhood. In 2016, the municipality removed all unofficial bridge names. Since then, the bridge has been known only by its number. In 2018, the bridge was found to be worn out. As a result, the bridge became prohibited for trucks heavier than 5 tons. Trams with a long stop over the bridge could no longer stop on the span. They could stop on the slope towards the bridge. Since July 22 2019, only tram lines 13 and 17 have run over the bridge. Only night buses run over the bridge. There is only a tram stop for the bridge city outwards.
During the construction of the original bridge in 1891, another bridge disappeared. In the eastern quay of the Lijnbaansgracht was a bridge over the Rozengracht.
So, as you stand here on Brug 117, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. Consider the transformations this crossing has witnessed. From its humble beginnings to its current form, Brug 117 embodies the spirit of Amsterdam. It is a city that embraces progress while cherishing its past.