A sturdy iron structure. That’s the Wateringbrug. Its simple design belies a rich history. It’s more than just a bridge. It’s a link to Amsterdam’s past.
The Wateringbrug spans the Wetering. This small waterway once flowed freely. It was a vital part of Amsterdam’s water system. The name itself hints at this waterway. It literally means Watering Bridge. A small and rather insignificant gate to the city. This was the Weteringpoort. The bridge stands on the site of a much earlier crossing.
Our current Wateringbrug dates back to 1958. Before that there was an iron bridge around 1866. It had wooden beams. This bridge couldn’t handle the traffic by the 1910s. Another bridge was built then. It too was made of iron beams and concrete. It held until the extensive renovations started in July 1958.
The Weteringschans was becoming a major thoroughfare. This was part of Amsterdam’s ring road. The busy Weteringcircuit was nearby. The bridge renovations were done in phases. Traffic flowed on the bridge even during construction. Old pipes from the 1910 bridge were hidden beneath the new road. The tram rails were moved back and forth to ensure continuous service. This however meant the road surface had to be adjusted constantly. It was a complex process.
The bridge’s design allowed for future widening of the roadway. This would come at the expense of the sidewalks. A special crane was needed to install the bridge sections. In the 1970s one-way traffic changed the use of Weteringschans. Traffic on the bridge reduced greatly. The current layout is quite distinct. There is a pedestrian path. Next is an unseparated bike lane. Then the road leads west. A tram and taxi lane follows. Afterward comes another bike lane and pedestrian path going east. Since July 22 2018 tram lines 1 7 and 19 run across the Wateringbrug. Its location in a tight curve on the Lijnbaansgracht keeps it off many canal tours.
The Wateringbrug today. A silent witness to Amsterdam’s constant evolution. From a small gate to a vital part of the city’s infrastructure. Its story is woven into the fabric of Amsterdam. A simple bridge with a complicated past. A reminder of Amsterdam’s clever engineering. A bridge worth remembering.