06.05.2022
After more than 75 years, Ankeveen has her Yellow Bridge back. On Liberation Day, May 5th, Ankeveen celebrated the return and inauguration of her iconic bridge. It is an icon in the polder landscape, where old and new come together. Architectural studio ZJA made a careful reconstruction of the wooden drawbridge, which the Germans dismantled in April 1945 while flooding the polders. In addition, ZJA designed, entirely 'structural', a steel bicycle bridge with a characteristic fencing. The project came about thanks to a citizens' initiative, supported by the municipality of Wijdemeren.
Reconstruction of the Yellow bridge and a new steel bicycle bridge
Rob Torsing, architect-partner ZJA: “The design of the Yellow Bridge is not a contemporary interpretation. In ZJA's design for the new situation, the original materials and proportions, and Ankeveen's coat of arms, are reflected. The width and height of the bridge in which it lies in the landscape are as close to the originial as possible. To allow the current traffic to pass safely, a steel bicycle bridge with a characteristic fence has been constructed next to it. In addition, there is a fauna passage for the otter, so that it can cross from one habitat to another.”
A renewed entrance and icon of Ankeveen
In the afternoon on Liberation Day, a convoy of old army vehicles from the Second World War from 'Het Gooi Bevrijd' crossed the Yellow Bridge. The liberation of the Gooi and the surrounding area is celebrated during this memorial tour with historic vehicles and war veterans. In the evening, the Yellow Bridge was inaugurated and the documentary 'Naar de bevrijding' premiered; a documentary of Machiel Martens about Ankeveen in the Second World War. The demolition of the Yellow Bridge at the end of the war is an important element in the movie.
After more than 75 years, the village of Ankeveen has regained its gateway with the return of the Yellow Bridge.
