The bridge was proposed to reduce congestion on the existing Nijmegen road bridge, the
Waalbrug, east of the new bridge. However concerns were raised on the planned location, as it might attract wider regional traffic, thereby increasing congestion levels. After a review, building commenced in early 2011 and took 30 months to complete, the project jointly undertaken by the Dutch
BAM Civie and the German
Max Bögl. It is the longest single arch bridge in Europe and cost an estimated €260 million.
Commemorating 1944 The bridge is on the site of the
Waal crossing of 20 September 1944, an assault across the river by soldiers of the US
504th Parachute Infantry during
Operation Market Garden. The bridge was named after this event, which in Dutch is known as
De Oversteek. The 1944 crossing has remained a theme of the bridge. During the opening ceremony, veterans of the assault and their relatives were present, and tributes were paid to those who died. Since 2016, the road over the bridge has been called the
Generaal James Gavinsingel, and the viaduct on the north side the
82e Airborne Divisieviaduct, named after the commander and
formation of the 1944 assault troops. == See also ==