The Willemsbrug, one of Rotterdam's many bridges. The Willemsbrug is a cable-stayed bridge in the Netherlands, located in the city of Rotterdam. The bridge spans the river Nieuwe Maas and is 270 metres long. he current Willemsbrug is the second bridge at this location. The first bridge was opened in 1878 and raised for shipping in 1927. Until the Maas Tunnel opened in 1943, the Willemsbrug was the only fixed bank connection in Rotterdam. Even before World War II, there were plans to replace the old Willemsbrug, but due to the war, reconstruction and lack of money, it did not materialise. In 1965, the eastbound Van Brienenoordbrug and the westbound Beneluxtunnel opened in 1967, making traffic less dependent on the Willemsbrug and Maastunnel. Eventually, the Willemsbrug was replaced by the current bridge in 1981. The bridge was opened on 1 July 1981, it was the first official act of crown prince (later king) Willem-Alexander.