It was designed by the engineering firm Oosterhuis and built by a consortium including NV van Hattum en Blankevoort.
The bridge stands on 50 piers that were manufactured in a specialized dry dock in Zierikzee before being transported to their final location.
The bridge height is 13 meters above high water at its central span to accommodate large vessels.
During construction, the project was officially named the Oosterschelde Bridge before being renamed the Zeeland Bridge upon opening.
The bridge was financed by a toll system that was officially abolished in 1993, making passage free for all traffic.
It is considered a national monument of Dutch infrastructure due to its size and technical significance at the time of completion.
The Zeeland Bridge is a 5,022-meter-long road bridge connecting the islands of Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland in the Dutch province of Zeeland. Crossing the Oosterschelde estuary, the structure consists of 54 spans, including a high central section to allow for the passage of ships. It serves as a vital link in the N256 road, significantly shortening travel distances between Zierikzee and the surrounding region. Upon its completion in 1965, it held the record as the longest bridge in Europe. The bridge is constructed primarily of pre-stressed concrete, featuring a distinctive series of repeating pillars. It offers panoramic views of the Oosterschelde National Park, a protected marine environment. As of mid-2026, the bridge remains fully operational for public vehicular traffic. It is an engineering landmark that demonstrates post-war Dutch infrastructure development.
The shoreline near the Zierikzee side provides a clear profile view of the bridge's length and repetitive span architecture.
Travel during low-wind conditions to ensure a smoother driving experience, as the bridge is highly exposed to coastal gusts.
Utilize the designated parking areas on the Zierikzee side to safely exit your vehicle and view the bridge from the shore.
Do not stop your vehicle on the bridge itself, as there are no hard shoulders and traffic is continuous.
Attempting to walk or cycle across the bridge, as there is no pedestrian or cycling path and the road is designed exclusively for high-speed motorized traffic.
