Enneüs Heerma Bridge, IJburg, The Netherlands

• Published in: Structural engineering international : journal of the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) 2003-02, Vol.13 (1), p.7-10
• Main Authors: Wurth, George J. J., Koop, Michel J. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1016-8664; 1683-0350
• DOI: 10.2749/101686603777964937

Symbolism is an important ingredient in the striking new arch bridge spanning the waters of the IJ Lake. This bridge is the gateway to the new urban district of IJburg. The arches and lattice girders were inspired by the classic gables of Amsterdam's canal houses, the wavy patterns refer to water, while the segmented appearance is based on a crab's skeleton. The design of this remarkable steel structure was no easy feat since every detail, no matter how minute, had to conform to the architect's philosophy. The end result, a spectacular arch bridge with an organic appeal, was awarded the National Steel Award 2002 (Fig. 1). Approaching the Zeeburgertunnel by car from the south, or caught in a traffic jam before the tunnel, many commuters have been able to admire the fluent lines of the 230 m long bridge. It is the first bridge connecting the mainland with the new residential area IJburg, a prime location just east of Amsterdam. IJburg consists of six artificial islands (reclaimed land), interconnected by bridges, offering plenty of space for some 18 000 new houses. The 230 m long bridge is named after Enneus Heerma, a deceased former councilman of Civil Works in Amsterdam. The eye-catching design consists of five spans supporting two parallel running steel-concrete bridge decks. In October 1996, the Project Office IJburg of the City of Amsterdam, issued a multiple order for the architectural design of the Enneiis Heerma Bridge and the bridge connecting the first two islands. The tender was won by a British architectural firm.