Slauerhoffbrug

Bridge in Leeuwarden, Netherlands
53°11′55″N 5°45′57″E / 53.19850°N 5.76583°E / 53.19850; 5.76583CarriesTrafficCrossesHarlingervaartLocaleLeeuwarden, NetherlandsOther name(s)the 'Flying Drawbridge' or Frog BridgeCharacteristicsDesignTail bridge[1]MaterialIron and steelTotal length15 m[2]Width15 m[2]HistoryDesignerVan Driel MechatronicaOpened2000[3]LocationMap

The Slauerhoffbrug (English: Slauerhoff Bridge) is a fully automatic bascule bridge (aka tail bridge)[1] in the city of Leeuwarden in the Netherlands. It is a road bridge that carries the Slauerhoffweg (named after J. Slauerhoff) over the Harlingervaart. It was completed in 2000.

The bridge uses two arms to swing a 15×15m section of road in and out of place.[2] The lift arms are oriented diagonally to the road. The bridge is painted in yellow and blue, representative of Leeuwarden's flag and seal.[1] This movable bridge is also known as the “Slauerhoffbrug ‘Flying’ Drawbridge” or Frog Bridge (Dutch: Kikkerbrug), the last because of its shape in the down position. One of the main designers is Emile Asari. A tail bridge can quickly and efficiently be raised and lowered from one pylon (instead of hinges). This allows water traffic to pass while only briefly blocking road traffic.[1]

  • Slauerhoffbrug in down position.
    Slauerhoffbrug in down position.
  • Slauerhoffbrug rising.
    Slauerhoffbrug rising.

References

  1. ^ a b c d Pinkerton, Lindsey (20 February 2009). "Strange Architecture: Bridge Design in the Netherlands". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 14 August 2011.
  2. ^ a b c "Van Driel Mechatronica". Retrieved 6 January 2010.
  3. ^ "Neatorama". Retrieved 6 January 2010.
  • Media related to Slauerhoffbrug at Wikimedia Commons
  • Popular Mechanics article on the Slauerhoff bridge
  • 4 Photos by Van Driel of the bridge up from different angles
  • 3 Photos of bridge up
  • 1 Photo of bridge up from road
  • Slauerhoffbrug opening and closing
  • timelapse of the bridge in action