Rolpaal Bridge

In ancient times, canal boats were pulled by horses along a path on the banks. Curves in the canal were navigated by pulling the rope around a ‘rolpaal’, a guiding post with a rolling pivot.

Situated in a wide curve of the Niedorpervaart the 'Rolpaalbrug' is the link between the junction at 'Verlaat' and the northern nature reserve Boomerwaal. The new bridge spans the canal and both shores in a spacious way. The relation between the bridge and the junction is strengthened by the sculpturally shaped abutment on the south side.

Towards the northern bank the bridge tapers to a more slender line, resembling a diving-board that barely touches the embankment. Side panels in profiled concrete give a dynamic expression to the bridge, the ribs in the profile equally disguise the real joints between the panels.

The canal is an ecological corridor. Hence the dike underneath the bridge is furnished with trunks and stones to provide shelter to small mammals and reptiles. Next to the new bridge a tunnel for slow traffic also accommodates tractors.