NL-2858757 De Hef - an iconic bridge in Rotterdam

De Hef (official name Koningshavenbrug) is a disused railway lift bridge over the Koningshaven in Rotterdam.  The bridge was once part of the Breda - Rotterdam railroad. The two bridge sections on the shores date from 1878 .  The middle section was originally a swing bridge.  However, this was a major obstacle for shipping.

It was decided to design the bridge to accommodate shipping and De Hef was opened in October 1927. At that time this impressive bridge was not only the largest lift bridge in the Netherlands but the first of its kind in Western Europe. 'De Hef' as it was soon called in the vernacular, did more than 116 years service as a rail link across the Nieuwe Maas.

De Hef was decommissioned in September1993 after the construction of the Willemsspoortunnel.

In modern times, the centre portion of the bridge is parked in the highest position to accommodate shipping. This section is only lowered when there is a storm or for maintenance of the bridge.

Latest news: In November 2014 the middle part of the bridge was temporarily removed for major maintenance.  The 55 meters long and 9 meters wide bridge section was hoisted by special barges and transported to Merwehaven for refurbishing.

This postcard came from Karin (13 February 2015) Postcrossing.  This is the second bridge postcard that she sent to me.