Simme bypass

The bridge was in such poor condition that it had to be closed at a moment’s notice. A disaster for local traffic because it was difficult to reroute. But not for cyclists and pedestrians! Because Van Schie has several smart solutions that can be operational within a day. Like VSP pontoons: a certified, stable system where the pontoons click together like LEGO, complete with guardrails and ramps. The possibilities are almost limitless. They are also ideally suited for shallow water and limited spaces, such as here in the ditch along the Demmerikseweg. By the way, there is something fun to tell about that ditch. Under the bridge in question is a bulkhead that separates the area on the left in the photo from the ditch on the right, which is connected to the ring canal. On the left, the water is warm and a bit murky; on the right, the water is clear and a lot colder. This is deliberately maintained that way for the carp that migrate to the warm part in certain seasons to spawn. To make this possible, the “fish sluice” is regularly opened for a moment by one of the local residents.