The Erasmus Bridge is a prime example of Rotterdam’s innovative modern architecture.

The Erasmus Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that crossed the Nieuwe Maas River and is the primary bridge leading to the heart of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Construction on the bridge began in 1990 and the bridge was opened by Queen Beatrix in 1996.

The 800 meters long bridge rises to a height of 139 meters and is crossed by over 70,000 people every day. The bridge is a multifunctional traffic bridge providing passage with two pedestrian lanes, two bicycle lanes, two car lanes and a tram track in the center.

The Erasmus Bridge is nicknamed “The Swan” because it is white and similar to a swan but it is also called “The Harp” for obvious reasons.

The beam of the bridge

The bridge’s architecture is simple but the beam of the bridge is the feature that gives the bridge its modern allure. The beam of the bridge is formed by a pair of 105 meter high pylons that straddle traffic crossing the river but connect in the center to give the bridge its unique shape. The beam supports 32 cables attached to the top of the pylon and 8 backside cables that keep the bridge in balance.

Transition from day to night

The Erasmus Bridge is a modern attraction during the daytime but it makes an even more impressive statement after the sun goes down. Special lighting emphasizes the beam of the bridge and the support cables that rise up from the traffic and attach to the beam.

My long time followers know that I have a special fascination with watching modern architecture transition from daylight into night lighting. My final photos of the Erasmus Bridge were taken during the transition from sunset to darkness.

The Dust on My Shoes

Rotterdam has several impressive buildings and structures that flaunt the city’s fascination for modern architecture. The Erasmus Bridge is probably the largest example of the modern architecture that can be seen in Rotterdam.

The image that most people think of when they think about Netherland is of canals, windmills and tulips but Rotterdam is an urban showcase of modern architectural design. This is easily seen in the train stations, market hall, office buildings, viewing towers, bridges, and apartment complexes. Some of the designs appear to push the envelope of taking unachievable concepts and turning them into reality.

Most tourist travel to the Netherlands to see charming town, windmills, the canals of Amsterdam and the spring time tulip season which are all wonderful experiences but make sure to also experience the modern side of the Netherlands by visiting Rotterdam.

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