Background information:
The bridge over the Julianalaan was constructed around 1905 when the track layout of Haarlem station was laid out on an elevated embankment. At the location of the Julianalaan, with the waterway named Delft running parallel to it, a bridge with a clear span of approximately 19 meters was required. Two abutments and one girder for each track proved sufficient. However, a construction method new for that time was used for the girders, devised not long before by the Leuven chief engineer A. Vierendeel. The bridge is now more than 120 years old, but holds up well. The clearance height is 3.60 meters. Sufficient around 1905, but nowadays a point of attention, particularly for freight traffic.
Architectural details:
The abutment of this bridge consists of stone masonry accented with natural stone elements. The abutment is suitable for double track and is also in active service as such. The rear side of the abutment typically blends into the embankment body on which the rails are situated. On both flanks of the abutment, there are retaining walls that prevent the slope from spilling onto the adjacent sidewalk. Over the decades, various fences have stood on these retaining walls to prevent easy access to the railway track. Due to the Vierendeel principle applied, cross bracing in the girders is no longer necessary provided the angles are sufficiently rigid. The inspection path installed along the girders slightly obstructs the view of this engineering innovation.
