On Friday afternoon, Zwolle officially opened the new Passerelle: a sustainable wooden bridge, 130 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 7 meters high. Like a park in the sky, the Passerelle connects the city center with the Spoorzone. During the opening, there was a moment to reflect on the past and to look ahead to the future: from a silver trowel dating back to 1862 to a dancing robot leading the audience across the bridge.

On September 5, the festive opening took place of the largest sustainable wooden bridge across railway tracks in the Netherlands. The design of this innovative wooden bridge was created by a multidisciplinary team consisting of Karres en Brands (lead architect), ipv Delft (bridge specialist), and Ingenieursbüro Miebach (timber construction specialist). The Municipality of Zwolle, ProRail, and Pontico were also part of the design team, and the wishes of residents and entrepreneurs were taken into account. Dura Vermeer was responsible for the construction, and Van Gelder for the deck installation of the Passerelle.

Within Zwolle’s urban fabric, the Passerelle forms an important and high-quality new connection between the historic city centre and the developments in the Spoorzone, where in the coming years a lively new district of Zwolle will emerge. Combined with the city’s green ambitions, the “park bridge” was a logical choice.

Sustainability was a top priority for both client and design team. This is why a striking structure of European softwood was chosen — unique for a bridge of this size. The Passerelle goes even further: in addition to its wooden supporting structure, the deck itself consists of a 15 cm thick layer of cross-laminated timber (CLT), and even the lift shafts are made of wood. Groundbreaking design decisions that were not without challenges, especially considering the vegetation on the bridge and its water retention capacity. A thorough analysis of MKI scores, combined with comparisons of feasibility, cost, and maintenance, revealed that wood was by far the most environmentally friendly solution for the deck, beams, and lift shafts. The choice was therefore made quickly, despite technical challenges. An additional benefit of the wooden deck structure is that the entire construction is demountable.

Not a straight line, but an elegant S-shape that guides the eye and invites pedestrians to slow down. The Passerelle is designed as an extension of Stationsstraat — a route that feels like a natural passage through the city. A route that compels the traveler to slow down, to look, and to experience. The bridge is 10 metres wide and is laid out with flower-rich borders, trees, shrubs, seating areas, and viewpoints. At its centre, water flows down a set of steps — a playful element that entices children and invites adults to reflect. Cyclists are welcome, provided they walk their bikes: the Passerelle is above all a place to stroll, to look, and to experience.