Robust, beautiful, and above all comfortable bridge connecting two parts of the city
An important step has been taken in the further development of Willemsoord as the 'second room' of the city center: the Nieuwe Brug forms a beautiful, robust, and comfortable connection between the city center and Willemsoord. The bridge makes the route more attractive for cyclists and pedestrians. Alderman Niels Nanning and Marichel Weel, Director of Zeestad, will open the bridge for all residents and visitors on Thursday, July 24.
Festive inauguration
Alderman Niels Nanning: “Willemsoord is increasingly developing into a place where you want to be. A place where the past, present, and future come together. You can work, learn, relax, and discover something new there. With this bridge, we are truly creating a connection – not only between places, but also between people and ideas.” Together with Marichel Weel, Alderman Nanning will open the New Bridge on Thursday, July 24 at 3:00 PM. Residents, entrepreneurs, and other interested parties are warmly welcome to attend the opening.
The work
Contractor K_Dekker bouw & infra is currently putting the finishing touches on the new bascule bridge. The bridge, designed by West8, is a bascule bridge with fine details such as the mechanism and counterweight neatly concealed beneath the bridge, allowing it to open and close. Interlocking anchors are visible in the railing at the transition between the two bridge sections; the balustrade features a cast-iron railing with a copper appearance, incorporating the city logo and the Willemsoord brand mark at the ends. For Marichel Weel, quality was paramount, “visible in the robustness of the structure (the bridge is 5m wide), the choice of materials, and the high-quality architecture that complements Willemsoord, making it appear as if the bridge has always been there.”.
Walking or cycling?
In the next phase, the pedestrian crossing over Weststraat connecting to the Francien de Zeeuwpromenade can be modified. The crossing is currently exclusively for pedestrians. Cyclists will therefore still have to dismount until they reach Willemsoord. As soon as the crossing has been modified for cyclists—as the current schedule indicates this will take place at the end of this year—the first section of the promenade and the Nieuwe Brug can also be used by cyclists.
Jutterhaven Days
If you visit Willemsoord during the Jutterhavendagen, be sure to also enjoy the beautiful view the bridge offers. The Jutterhavendagen run from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27; a maritime festival featuring live music, street theater, children's activities, and nautical spectacle in Willemsoord as well as in the city center.
