WILLEMSTAD – The Queen Emma Bridge was detached yesterday at 06:00 and towed to the workshop of Curaçao Ports Authority. There, an extensive renovation of the more than 130-year-old connection between Punda and Otrobanda begins. The well-known operator’s cabin will receive a new electric motor pontoon, all cabling will be replaced, and the lighting, controls and security systems will also be renewed. The bridge is expected to remain out of service for nearly two months.
The towing away of the bridge marks the beginning of the largest technical overhaul of the Pontjesbrug in twenty years. When she returns, the ‘Swinging Old Lady’ must be able to open and close almost silently and without direct emissions.
The characteristic appearance will be preserved. The renewal takes place mainly inside and beneath the bridge: in the drive system, the electrical installation, the cabling and the control systems.
According to PR manager Sau Bridgewater-Chong of Curaçao Ports Authority, the bridge was first removed from Sint Annabaai on Sunday and then towed to the workshop. There it will be prepared for the installation of the new electric drive.
The work is expected to take approximately two months. CPA has previously announced that the bridge will be out of service from Sunday 2 August through Friday 25 September. The planning is aimed at making the connection available again around the end of September, at the latest around 1 October.
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