From mega-dams to cutting edge architecture, the Dutch seem to consistently pull off some pretty impressive infrastructure innovations—often characterised by characterful creative solutions to age old built environment challenges.

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One such delight, is the Slauerhoffbrug—a fully automatic bascule bridge (aka tail bridge) in the city of Leeuwarden. Referred to by bridge fan-boys as a "Flying Drawbridge", the Slauerhoff lifts what is essentially a section of the road into the air to make room for passing water traffic. By doing away with the hinged mechanism of typical two-part raising tail bridges, this impressive piece of engineering can raise and lower much quicker than its traditional counterparts, allowing for minimum disruption to traffic on river or road.