A bridge too low

On the Veerweg - the road from Oeffelt to Gennep - there is a historic viaduct. Constructed after the NBDS (Noord-Brabantsch-Duitsche Spoorwegmaatschappij) had to raise the railroad bridge over the river Maas. During the heyday of the industrial revolution, traction barges were sidelined and steam and diesel ships were coming on strong. Unfortunately, the bridge over the Meuse proved too low for these taller ships. The bridge was therefore raised by 2.5 meters in 1931.

The raising of the bridge also had consequences for the track: a long embankment was built so that steam trains could cross the difference in height without difficulty. The steady climb ensured that every train could now reach the bridge over the Meuse River. In the embankment, the viaduct was then built so that farmers and citizens had a safe passage.

German Line

The Meuse Bridge is now used only by automobile traffic. In 1973, the track that crossed the bridge was removed because there was a danger of collapse. This marked the end of the Little German Line, which was once built as part of the train connection between London, Berlin and St. Petersburg.

The (apparently) much too wide pillars of the Meuse Bridge, the embankment and the viaduct are still reminders of this legendary track.