Emma Bridge re-opening

Published on November 13, 2015

On November 12, 2015, the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA), together with the minister of economic development, officially re-opened the Emma bridge.

On November 12, 2015, the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA), together with the minister of economic development, officially re-opened the Emma bridge.

The Emma bridge plays an important role in our downtown. This becomes even more apparent every time the bridge is taken out of operation. More than 10,000 people use the bridge daily. The bridge is a tourist attraction and an icon of Curaçao. Moreover, the bridge is vital to the economic activity of Punda and Otrobanda.

The last restoration was completed in 2006 under the implementation of the ‘Dienst Ontwikkelings Samenwerking’ (Service Development Cooperation). Over time, it became clear that the wood of the top layer was rotting faster than expected. CPA initiated an analysis of the problem in collaboration with ‘TNO’ and in consultation with ‘Openbare Werken’ (public works) to develop a new design for the top deck.

Two weeks ago, the Emma bridge was back at its place in the St. Anna Bay, just before the start of the cruise season. In addition to implementing a design that ensures that water does not remain under the wood, the top layer is made of a specially treated wood so it will not rot. The use of sustainable and durable products, combined with the replacement of 1700 lights to LED bulbs, which are 90% more efficient, lower the environmental impact of the bridge. The selection of such products and materials clearly reflect CPA’s policy of considering the environment as per the ISO 14001 certificate, to which the organization complies.

During the opening CPA presented a memento, made by Fantasy Arts in Curaçao, to a select group of people. The artwork includes elements of old and new by combining a depiction of the Emma bridge atop a piece of the new deck wood and screws from the old replaced deck.

The director of CPA, Humberto de Castro presented a memento to Minister Palm for his support of the project and thanked the employees of the Ferry’s and the technical service for the tireless efforts in the continuous operation of the ferries and maintaining the connection between Punda and Otrobanda over the past two and a half months. Ferry assistant Mr. R. Melfor furthermore received acknowledgement for his outstanding service to locals and tourists who make use of the ferries. Mr. Albert Zwueste, Chief Operations Officer of CPA continued the ceremony by presenting a memento to the various individuals and companies that have played a role in the repair of the Emma Bridge.

The opening will be celebrated with a running contest organized by the Foundation ‘Run in the Sun’ which is responsible for organizing the popular KLM Curaçao Marathon. The route of the marathon goes over the Emma bridge and takes place on 29 November.