Arie de Vlaming (75), a former maintenance worker, recounted his 40-year career at the Brug over de Noord, highlighting physical challenges and technological changes. In the early years, he transported materials via a narrow trapdoor, often requiring precise maneuvering. He described renovating the bridge’s moving parts, which involved lifting the structure with specialized equipment, causing temporary closures. Steel barriers, prone to damage, were replaced by lighter plastic ones. Communication methods evolved from piepers and landlines to mobile phones. De Vlaming emphasized inspecting mechanical components through sight and sound, noting unusual noises indicated potential issues. He expressed pride in his work, never feeling reluctant to attend shifts, and remains keenly interested in the bridge’s updates, recalling a recent article with a photo from the bridge’s understructure evoking nostalgic memories.
Source: Rijkswaterstaat
https://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/nieuws/archief/2026/01/nooit-ging-ik-met-tegenzin-naar-mijn-werk
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