The grand opening of the new Saatsenbrêge was celebrated.
EANJUM – Municipal councillor Peter Braaksma from Noardeast-Fryslân opened the new Saatsenbrêge near Eanjum on Saturday evening. The event attracted hundreds of interested parties.
Pirate kidnapping and exchange
During the opening act, the bridge turned out to be too low for a pirate boat that wanted to pass through. This led to a dramatic kidnapping of Councilman Braaksma by Smugglers’ e Skans fans. Shortly after, the pirate boat returned and the Councilman was released in exchange for a barrel of beer and passage under the bridge.
Opening with a bang
Then Braksma fired a loud cannon blast, officially opening the bridge. The crowd sang Saatsenbrêge, and then the ceremonial programme began.
Party Program
The evening started with a CoolKids party for the youngest visitors, followed by performances by Bildtstar and finally the famous band De Kast. The celebrations lasted until 11pm and saw a large crowd.
Facts about Saatsenbrêge
- The road was closed for eight months to build the new bridge.
- The old foundation was reused for the new bridge.
- The elevation is partially built using Styrofoam (EPS) blocks.
- More than 40 tons of reinforcing steel were used.
- 3000 m3 of sand was used to raise the inlet and outlet.
- 700 tons of asphalt were laid.
- The bridge was built by Macadam BV from Backeveen.
- Groups 7 and 8 of CBS De Eker have written their names into the foundation.
background
The renovated Saatsenbrêge is the final link in making the river navigable. Faruti Court A For DM class boats with a maximum draft of 2.40 metres.
The project, which began in 2011, included several phases to improve water quality, create nature-friendly banks and expand water sports facilities. The bridge modernization was made possible by the Wadden Fund and the Fryslån Province.
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