Coins, photos, paperwork, building plans, newspaper pieces, passing passes and even a piece of the bridge. Tonnie Smits from Werkendam collects everything from the Merwedebrug. A hobby that got out of hand, he calls it himself. But he can no longer enjoy the bridge for a long time, because it will be replaced in 2028 or 2029.
His special hobby started with the hairline cracks in the bridge in 2016, which is located between Breda and Utrecht on the A27. “Then my interest was aroused,” he says. The Superfan delved into history and wanted to know what is possible with that bridge and future plans. The Werkendammer took photos and shared them through his social media accounts Merwedebruga27. He has 11,000 followers on Facebook.
“What should you do with that piece of iron? People don’t understand,” he says. “But they like it.” What he finds so special? “The characteristic element in the area. When you drive over that thing, it feels like coming home.” Moreover, a lot is happening on the bridge. Accidents, closures, traffic jams. “And people find that very annoying, but also great that it is told about it.”
Original drawings
He received the things from the Merwedebrug from people or from Rijkswaterstaat. “They know that I am a huge fan and they like that I have that hobby and they will stimulate it.”
He also received a pass from a man who stood in line in 1994 for a passing pass to be allowed to cross the bridge. They worked on the bridge and truck drivers needed such a pass. “This way you gradually get to materials from the bridge.” Even the original drawings, now a bit yellowish, are in his possession.
Although his family likes his hobby, they are sometimes also done with ‘that thing’. “And then they say, now it’s time for us.” Smits still listens to his family. Sometimes he also pulls them in. For example, by cycling along the bridge with his son. “He also likes that and tells him nicely about the bridge. My wife sometimes has a bit of a change over it. But well, that’s a hobby.”
New bridges
His son may soon have the bridge collection. But by that time that he is an adult, there is another bridge. “Unfortunately, he is broken off yes,” he says disappointed, but then jokes: “Then my collection can get even bigger and I get pieces from the old Merwedebrug.”
Yet he thinks it’s a shame. “But the thing is from 1961. So it’s time to replace and then two new modern bridges come back.” Just like the current bridge, the new bridge has two arches, side by side. “It keeps giving the same picture. I hope we keep the warm feeling of coming home.” And even though the bridge is being replaced, he will continue with his accounts.
The Superfan is already busy with certain things, such as the mosaic work at the new bridge. He also tries to get pieces of the Merwedebrug again, one of which he already has. He will never sell that. Although a million sounds a lot. “People have to cross the bridge with a lot of money. Literally.”