Beyond the Amstel station, did you spot that striking lift bridge? That is the Omvalbrug. It connects the Watergraafsmeer and Overamstel neighborhoods. The Omvalbrug stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s rich architectural heritage.
The Omvalbrug’s story begins in 1953. It was designed by Piet Kramer. He was a prominent figure in the Amsterdam School architectural movement. This bridge was among his final works before he left Dienst der Publieke Werken. The Spaklerweg opened later. The Omvalbrug became accessible to traffic after its opening.
The Omvalbrug proudly showcases the Amsterdam School style. Notice the bridge’s sober railing. Metal plates adorn it. Look to the east side near the railway. See the bridge keeper’s house. A staircase allows pedestrians to descend to the lower ground. Piet Kramer added seating at the end of the balustrades. These are on the other three corners of the Omvalbrug. These seating areas are a distinctive Kramer feature.
Before the Omvalbrug, a ferry service operated. The Zuidergasfabriek started it in 1911. The municipality took over in 1927. The ferry ceased operations two years after the Utrechtsebrug opened in 1954. This happened with the arrival of the bridge.
Today no public transport runs across the Omvalbrug except for a night bus. The Omvalbrug derives its name from the nearby Omval. It is a land tongue in the Amstel river.
The Omvalbrug is bridge number 429. It spans the Weespertrekvaart. This waterway flows beside the elevated railway and metro line.
Interestingly the bridge keeper’s house has a new purpose since 2017. It is now part of the SWEETS hotel. This unique hotel includes 28 suites in former bridge houses.
Architects Space & Matter redesigned the Omvalbrug bridge house. They maintained the late Amsterdam School style.
The Omvalbrug stands as the last bridge Pieter Lodewijk Kramer designed. He designed it with its control building in 1952. This was shortly before his departure from the city’s bridge division. Over 35 years Kramer built over 200 bridges in Amsterdam.
Notice the horizontal windows. They have simple steel frames. These contrast with the wooden frames of other bridge houses. The brick patterns around doors and windows are absent here. Kramer seemed to have difficulty revitalizing his style. The roof is an exception. Kramer produced a whimsical almost expressionist design.
So next time you cross the Omvalbrug remember its history. Think of Piet Kramer. Imagine the bridge keeper in his house. Consider the changes this area has witnessed. The Omvalbrug remains a vital part of Amsterdam.