The town of Amersfoort derives its name and location from a shallow place (ford) in the river Eem (Amer). The harbor Eemhaven provided the connection between town and inland sea. A historic gate over the water still marks the transition between these two worlds. Selected architects were asked to design a bridge to cross this harbor

The brief called for a slender and transparent construction to connect both sides of the harbor, a distance of slightly over 100 feet. Two steel arches support this leap over the water. Beams suspended from this tubular construction carry the curved deck. Illumination is incorporated into the banisters.

Seen from above, the arches make a 12 degree angle with the axis of the harbor. Joining the deck of the bridge at a right angle to both quaysides, results in a snakelike twisting shape. In the middle, where the slant is at its maximum, the deck also reaches its highest point. Zenith and midpoint coincide.