The Melkwegbridge By MEXT Architects, Purmerend, Netherlands

The Melkwegbridge is located in Purmerend, Netherlands. It was designed by NEXT Architects. Because of its form the bridge is very high and attracts tourists with an incredible view over the city. The Melkwegbridge, a continuation of the Melkweg, is part of the Kanaalsprong master plan and connects the Weidevenne district to the historical city centre of Purmerend. To conform to the angle of inclination requirements with regard to bicycle and wheelchair traffic, they needed a length of over 100m. They therefore decided to separate bicycle and wheelchair traffic from pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians cross the canal by a high arch, reach a height of over 12m and stand a chance of a vista: the connection between the old and the new becomes perceivable there.
The bridge thus becomes more than just the fastest possible crossing, it becomes an end and an attraction in itself. Because pedestrian traffic and bicycle traffic are separated, the footbridge can continue the direct line of the Melkweg in the direction of the centre. The bicycle bridge coils over the water to create sufficient length to limit the angle of inclination of the bicycle path. The section that opens is divided diagonally and consists of two revolving bridge decks.