Erasmusbridge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Erasmusbridge Erasmusbrug
The Erasmusbridge in rotterdam
Locale	Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Characteristics
Material	Steel
Total length	802-metre-long (2,631 ft)
Width	338-metre-wide (1,109 ft)
Height	139-metre-high (456 ft)
History
Designer	Ben van Berkel
Construction end	1996
Construction cost	165.000.000 Guilder

The Erasmusbridge is a bridge in the city of Rotterdam. The bridge was the second bridge built over the Maas river. The bridge is named after Desiderius Erasmus who was born in Rotterdam. The bridge connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. The bridge is designed by Ben van Berkel. Queen Beatrix opened the bridge in 1996. The bridge is a 802 metres (2,631 ft) long Cable-stayed bridge, and is 139 metres (456 ft) high. Between the pillar and the district "Kop Van Zuid" is a 89 metres (292 ft) long bascule Bridge (it lifts to allow ships to pass under it). The Erasmusbridge has the biggest and heaviest bascule bridge in Europe. The bridge was used in events such as 2010 Tour de France, Rotterdam Marathon and The World Port Days.