![Melkwegbridge by NEXT Architects and Rietveld Landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-a.gif)
Melkwegbridge by NEXT Architects and Rietveld Landscape
We've got a thing for criss-crossing bridges at the moment so here's another one, this time designed by NEXT Architects and Rietveld Landscape for Amsterdam.
Update: see photos of the completed bridge in our later story here.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-4.jpg)
Called Melkwegbridge, the design separates pedestrian traffic from cyclists and wheelchair users.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-2.jpg)
Pedestrians cross over an arc to afford views from the summit, while the path for those on wheels zig-zags agross the water in order to achieve the required length to create a gentle slope between the banks of different heignts.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-3.jpg)
The lower deck with split in two and both parts will revolve to allow boats through.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-5-2.jpg)
See also:
Nanhe River Landscape Bridge by WXY Architecture
Pearl River Necklace by NL Architects
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-5-1.jpg)
Here's some more information from NEXT Architects:
The Melkwegbrug (Milky Way Bridge), a continuation of the Melkweg, is part of the Kanaalsprong master plan and connects the Weidevenne district to the historical city centre of Purmerend, north of Amsterdam.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-10.gif)
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To conform to the angle of inclination requirements with regard to bicycle and wheelchair traffic, we needed a length of over 100 m.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-8.gif)
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We therefore decided to separate bicycle and wheelchair traffic from pedestrian traffic.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-7.gif)
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Pedestrians cross the canal by a high arch, reach a height of over 12 m and stand a chance of a vista: the connection between the old and the new becomes perceivable here.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-6.gif)
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The bridge thus becomes more than just the fastest possible crossing, it becomes an end and an attraction in itself.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-12.gif)
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Because pedestrian traffic and bicycle traffic are separated, the footbridge can continue the direct line of the Melkweg in the direction of the centre.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-9.gif)
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The bicycle bridge coils over the water to create sufficient length to limit the angle of inclination of the bicycle path.
![Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape Melkwegbridge by NEXT architects and Rietveld landscape](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/06/dzn_Melkwegbridge-by-NEXT-architects-and-Rietveld-landscape-11.gif)
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The section that opens is divided diagonally and consists of two revolving bridge decks.
See also:
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Pearl River Necklace by NL Architects |
Nanhe River Landscape Bridge by WXY | Trestles Beach footbridge by Dan Brill Architects |