Ceintuurbrug

Hidden in plain sight, the Ceintuurbrug gracefully arches over the Boerenwetering canal in Amsterdam-Zuid. This isn’t just any bridge. The Ceintuurbrug, bridge number 116, connects the vibrant Ceintuurbaan with the Roelof Hartstraat. It forms a vital link in the network of streets just outside the city’s bustling inner ring. Don’t confuse it with the Nieuwe Amstelbrug at the other end of the Ceintuurbaan, sometimes mistakenly called the “Ceintuurbaanbrug.” Trams rumble across the Ceintuurbrug, adding to the lively atmosphere at this busy intersection with Hobbemakade. The Ceintuurbrug has a rich history, dating back to initial plans drafted in 1876. Negotiations between Amsterdam and the then-separate municipality of Nieuwer-Amstel about construction costs caused delays. For years, the location of a bridge to connect De Pijp to the other side of the Boerenwetering was debated. Other bridges, like the Diamantbrug and the Korrelbrug, were initially favored. The Nieuwe Amstelbrug also drew more attention. Finally, in 1901, the Ceintuurbrug project took shape. A contractor was hired for less than 45,000 guilders to construct the bridge. A temporary channel was dug for vegetable boats to continue supplying the city while the Boerenwetering was blocked during construction. The bridge was built to be “heavy,” anticipating the future tram lines. Increased traffic led to a widening of the bridge in 1926. The Ceintuurbrug you see today essentially dates back to 1927. Designed by Piet Kramer in the Amsterdamse School style, it showcases his signature blend of horizontal and vertical brickwork, granite accents, and ornate wrought-iron balustrades. Notice the artistic, fan-shaped granite paving stones. Another major renovation took place in 2014. The Ceintuurbrug was deemed too narrow for modern traffic. The foundations also needed an upgrade. The renovation aimed to improve traffic flow. It also, after 110 years, led to the removal of the tram stop. During construction, only the tram tracks remained open, protected by a steel structure covering the overhead lines. A temporary wooden bridge accommodated pedestrians and cyclists, while other traffic was rerouted. The wider, improved Ceintuurbrug reopened in October 2015. Since 1904, Tram 3 has been a constant presence on the Ceintuurbrug. Tram 24 joined it in 1929, and Tram 12 in 1977. While Tram 24 was temporarily diverted due to metro construction, it returned to its original route in 2017. The Ceintuurbrug continues to be a vital artery of Amsterdam, a testament to its enduring design and historical significance.