Historic bridge was built in 1932 because the canal was widened. The 19th century wooden bridge had to be replaced.
The characteristic of a lifting bridge is that the bridge deck, the "trap", remains horizontal and is lifted vertically to allow shipping passage. The counterweights hang in the towers built on the banks on either side.
The lifting bridge on Tongelresestraat has become a national monument because of its cultural-historical importance and as an example in the development of bridge construction. The lifting mechanism of this riveted iron bridge no longer functions.
This is no longer necessary, as the canal has been closed to commercial shipping since 1974. Nowadays it fulfills a recreational function: a cycle path runs along it and rowing clubs use it as their rowing course.