The construction of the railway connection and the excavation of the Koningshaven marked a historic turning point in the economic and spatial development of Rotterdam. Although the railway bridge over the Nieuwe Maas has since been replaced by a tunnel, the original route remains clearly identifiable thanks to the preservation of the lift bridge and the monumental bridgehead. From here, you can enjoy an impressive view at great height over one of Europe’s busiest shipping routes, though it has not been a particularly pleasant place until now. With the new design of the Spoordijk, the old railway line is being made visible once again, and new spaces are being created for people to enjoy.
2023
Gemeente Rotterdam
in cooperation with
Gemeente Rotterdam
×
Railway to the South
The bridgehead was once part of the Willemsspoorbrug, which spanned the Nieuwe Maas from 1877 to 1994 as part of the Breda-Rotterdam railway line. After more than a century of reliable service, the bridge was replaced, partly due to the reliance on De Hef for Dutch Railways' train traffic. This led to the construction of the Willemsspoortunnel, which was opened in 1993.
Traces of the Past
In 1994, the dismantling of the Willemsspoorbrug began, marking the end of the site’s function as a railway line. However, the bridgehead remained as a remnant of the vanished bridge. While many former railway locations have since been built over, the historical railway line is still clearly visible in the urban fabric of the Noordereiland, particularly near the bridgehead.
A New Track
The historical axis of the railway line serves as the guiding principle for the new design. On the railway embankment, benches made from old railway sleepers are placed in two evenly spaced rows. These benches reference the old railway line in both position and material but now serve a different purpose. They can be used in multiple ways, such as seating elements or as a parcours for athletes. On the bridgehead, the benches are clustered to form a grandstand offering views of the Nieuwe Maas. This space can host events or spontaneous gatherings. The bridgehead itself has been restored as much as possible to its original state.
