Lights Crossing
Lights Crossing is the title of the work of art that is part of the city bridge De Oversteek (translation: ‘The Crossing’) in Nijmegen. The bridge, designed by the Belgian office Ney / Poulissen architecture & engineering, opened on November 23, 2013. It connects the banks of the river Waal in Nijmegen at the same location where the American soldiers made their heroic crossing on September 20, 1944. During this military action, 48 soldiers lost their lives in one afternoon.
The work of art consists of light and time, and refers to this historic event; during twilight, after the city lights of Nijmegen have been switched on, the 48 pairs of lights on the bridge will light one by one, at the pace of a slow march. The lights will start to turn on from the south riverbank, progressively illuminating the 950 meter long route, taking approximately 12 minutes to complete the ‘crossing of light’. After the last pair of lights on the north riverbank has been switched on, the so-called flood lights will be switched on as well, making the beautiful bridge visible at night in all its glory.
Waal Monument
Before the bridge was built, the Waal Monument marked the location where the brave soldiers arrived on shore after the harsh crossing of the river in fragile boats while under heavy fire by the German troops. This monument, initiated by private individuals in 1984 and created by the sculptor Marius van Beek (1921–2003), has recently been completely restored. All of the initiators had first-hand experience with the suffering brought on by the war and the occupation of Nijmegen and the surrounding area. The roll of honor, which was later added to the Waal Monument, lists the names of the men who lost their lives in the fight that played an important role in the liberation of the Netherlands. The initiative for the Waal Monument was inspired by the great appreciation for the efforts of these 48 young soldiers. Because Ligths Crossing passes the bridge in 48 steps, this number is again linked to the bridge, effectively making the bridge into a new, large memorial. The English title is used as a reference to the background of the men who took part in the action, who were all part of the 82nd Airborne Division from the United States of America.
Publication Atelier Veldwerk ‘Lights Crossing’ – on issuu
