Renovation of the monumental Berlage Bridge in Amsterdam

The Berlage Bridge is one of the monumental bridges over the River Amstel in Amsterdam. It was designed in the characteristic style of Berlage, with a lot of brickwork and natural stone. The bridge has five openings; the middle one is a bascule bridge. Built in 1935, both the drive mechanism and the movable part of the bridge were in need of replacement. The wooden deck was replaced with a steel deck in 1974, but now the movable part no longer works properly. Trams have to pass at reduced speeds due to poorly fitting rails and expansion joints, and the movable deck gets stuck in the summer months.

The Municipality of Amsterdam asked Iv, as a specialist in the field of complex steel and movable bridges, to provide support in preparing this renovation project. Iv conducted a feasibility study to determine the most suitable bridge drive mechanism and the optimum steel bridge deck and counterweight design. This took into account, as far as possible, the preservation of the existing monumental concrete structures, which were still in good condition.

The renovation of the Berlage Bridge presents several challenges. Preserving the monumental concrete structures while installing a heavier movable deck and new drive mechanism requires careful planning and engineering. A special steel frame was designed to properly distribute the forces from the pivot points of the movable deck and the drive mechanism into the concrete. In addition, the operations surrounding the bridge, such as tram traffic and traffic control systems, had to be considered.

The renovation of the Berlage Bridge will significantly improve its reliability and safety. Replacing the drive mechanism and the movable part ensures that trams can once again pass safely and no longer at reduced speeds. The new electro-hydraulic drive mechanism and the modified movable deck will improve the functioning of the bridge and prevent problems such as jamming during the summer months. In addition, the renovation helps preserve the bridge’s monumental character while extending its functional life. The renovation represents the creation of a future-proof bridge that will improve traffic flow in the city while maintaining the bridge’s heritage.