The bridge was commissioned by the Amsterdam municipality[2] and designed by engineer Cornelis Biemond [nl] (1899-1980) and architect Hendrikus Petrus Berlage (1856–1934); it was named after the latter.

Initially architect Piet Kramer, one of the most prominent members of the Amsterdam School, was under consideration; he had a wealth of experience designing bridges and other buildings for the city.

[citation needed] The team was confronted with three main design challenges: the Amstel could not be closed to ship traffic during construction; the span was 100 meters; and there was a considerable difference in height between the raised neighbourhoods of the Western river bank and the lower levels on the eastern river bank.

[6] The boathouses on the east side (which were built after World War II) end at the Schollenbrug, which was part of the design and is listed with the Berlagebrug as the Rijksmonument.

Green glazed stone was used as well, and the wrought iron railings were painted black and red, as were the light posts and the electricity poles for the streetcars.

[9] On 28 May 1932, the Berlagebrug was formally opened; mayor Willem de Vlugt spoke during the ceremony: Though she may have been completed during times of depression, she stands there as a sign that Amsterdam does not shirk its duties.

[citation needed] At the start and finish of World War II in the Netherlands, the Berlagebrug was the entrance into Amsterdam for foreign troops.

On 15 May 1940, German troops arrived and were greeted on the Berlagebrug by Reichsdeutsche and Dutch fascists (members of the National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands).