Nijmegen Bridge
An arch spanning the Waal where history turned on a single moment in September 1944.
The Waalbrug is an arch bridge spanning the Waal River in Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands. With a full length of 604 metres and a middle arch rising about 65 metres high, it was the longest arch in Europe at the time of its construction. While often associated with the drama of World War II, this structure has a distinct history as a literal arch bridge where all forces work on two pylons. Opened on 16 June 1936 by Queen Wilhelmina before a crowd of 200,000 people, it replaced the unreliable Zeldenrust ferry that had served local road traffic since time immemorial.
- Opening Date
- 16 June 1936
- Total Length
- 604 metres (1,982 ft)
- Arch Height
- 65 metres (213 ft)
- Arch Length
- 244.1 metres (801 ft)
- Construction Start
- 23 October 1931
- Traffic Volume (2005)
- Over 50,000 vehicles per 24 hours
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The bridge's existence began with planning by the Nijmegen Vooruit committee in 1906, though World War I delayed progress until definitive plans were made by architect G. Schoorl in 1927. Construction started on 23 October 1931. Its strategic value became immediate upon completion; until 1936, no permanent road connection existed across the Waal. On 10 May 1940, Dutch combat engineers blew up the bridge to halt the German invasion. In 1944, during Operation Market Garden, the Germans planned a second destruction, but Jan van Hoof, a Rover Scout and member of the Dutch Resistance, prevented it. On 20 September 1944, allied forces captured the intact structure. A plaque now commemorates van Hoof's actions.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of the Waalbrug is defined by its near-destruction in 1944. After being saved from demolition by Jan van Hoof, the bridge stood as a vital lifeline for allied forces advancing during Operation Market Garden on 20 September 1944. Unlike other bridges from the same era like the IJsselbrug or John Frost Bridge which utilized different structural principles, the Waalbrug functioned strictly as an arch with forces working on two pylons. The structure had previously survived a deliberate demolition in May 1940 by Dutch combat engineers at the start of the German invasion. Decades later, to accommodate growing traffic volumes that exceeded 50,000 vehicles every 24 hours by 2005, a new road bridge named De Oversteek opened downstream on 24 November 2013, allowing the historic Waalbrug to undergo brief renovation.
Reader's Guide
Visitors and historians note the Waalbrug's unique construction: it is an arch bridge in the literal sense, with an arch length of 244.1 metres that stood as Europe's longest at its debut. The bridge was painted green from its opening until 1980; today it is white. For those interested in its pop culture footprint, the Waalbrug appears in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far and the non-fiction book Band of Brothers. It also features in several computer games including Medal of Honor: Frontline, Medal of Honor: Vanguard, Medal of Honor: Airborne, Gates of Hell: Airborne, and Battlefield V. While traffic jams were common by 2005, the opening of the Snelbinder Bridge for cyclists in 2004 provided an alternative route connected to the rail bridge.
Did You Know?
- Until 1936, all local road traffic had to rely on the Zeldenrust ferry because no permanent connection existed across the Waal.
- Jan van Hoof, a Rover Scout and Dutch Resistance member, prevented Germans from blowing up the bridge in 1944.
- The arch span of 244.1 metres was the longest in Europe at the time of construction.
- The bridge changed color from green to white in 1980.
- De Oversteek, a new road bridge opened on 24 November 2013, was built 2 kilometres downstream to ease congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nijmegen Bridge in Band of Brothers lore?
It refers to the critical Waal River crossings over which Easy Company and the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment fought during Operation Market Garden. These bridges were the essential gateway for Allied ground forces to advance north toward Germany.
What role did Easy Company play at Nijmegen?
Easy Company executed a daring daylight assault to seize the intact bridge before German destroyers could demolish it. Their mission involved racing across steel and stone under heavy enemy fire to secure the crossing point for XXX Corps.
Why was capturing this bridge so important strategically?
Without these crossings, the Allied advance toward Arnhem would have been halted by the Waal River, dooming Operation Market Garden. Securing them allowed armored divisions to bypass German defenses and continue their push into enemy territory.
How did the battle for Nijmegen Bridge end?
The assault succeeded with heavy casualties as paratroopers overwhelmed German defenders and secured the bridge intact. This victory bought crucial time, though the overall operation eventually failed due to delays further north at Arnhem.
Who commanded the forces attacking Nijmegen?
The primary attacking force was the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, which included Easy Company. They coordinated their ground assault with airborne units dropping nearby to support the bridge seizure.