Van Brienenoord

Van Brienenoord, Connecting A Growing City

The Van Brienenoord Bridge project dates back to the early 1930s. However, the funds initially set aside for this connection were ultimately used for the construction of the Maastunnel.

Following the growing economic prosperity after World War II and the resulting increase in traffic, the construction of a ring road was planned — a project that would eventually become the Rotterdam Ring Road.

Not only were new roads needed, but also bridges and tunnels. It was decided to build a bridge over the Nieuwe Maas in the eastern part of the city, and to dig a tunnel beneath the river in the west — the Beneluxtunnel, which opened in 1967.

Construction of the Van Brienenoord

The ground was prepared around 1961, and the bridge was built entirely on-site, which caused significant disruption in the Oud IJsselmonde area. The village and its surroundings were filled with piles of peat, sand, clay, and large excavation pits.

To build the 290-meter arch, two temporary support pillars were erected in the water along with a small bridge. All heavy materials were transported via a floating dock. The design, created by W.J. van der Eb from the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, was considered revolutionary at the time. The distinctive diagonal cables that suspend the roadway provide great structural stability.

In 1962, the city council named the bridge after the island of Brienenoord, which lies directly beneath it.

Over the years, the bridge’s color scheme also changed: it was originally red, later painted green, and for many years now, it has been white.

Expansion and its impact

It soon became clear that the original bridge lacked sufficient capacity. As a result, construction began in 1986 to double its size, along with the adjacent roads.

To reduce the impact on maritime traffic, the second arch was constructed in Zwijndrecht. In 1989, the new arch was placed into position.

Finally, on May 1, 1990, the second Van Brienenoord Bridge was officially opened, doubling the capacity of this section of the A16 motorway.

Watch a video with photos from this bridge, (English with Spanish subtitles).

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