Railway underpass Maastricht

Prorail, the Dutch rail operator, aims to reduce the number of level crossings. On the northern edge of Maastricht, a new plan is being developed, creating a school, homes and shops. By realizing a railway underpass, an important barrier will be removed, making the new center more accessible for two bordering neighborhoods. We made an integral design for the bridge, railway underpass, retaining wall and the connection for cyclists and pedestrians to the shopping centre. The asymmetrical bridge seems to lean on the retaining wall. The structurally necessary thick concrete beam appears slimmer due to a sloping kink in the face of the beam. Between the beams there is a ‘void’ for daylight entry under the beams. In addition, a light artwork by Michiel Kluiters will be realized under the railway bridge.