BRIDGES & FERRIES (CPO)

With several bridges that cross the waterways in downtown Punda, the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge is the most prominent. The ‘Swinging Old Lady’, as this landmark is fondly referred to, is a prominent historical asset to our inner city, dating back to 1881. The floating bridge is opened and closed semi-automatically when ships enter the harbor. Pedestrians wishing to cross the St Anna Bay to go from Punda to Otrobanda and vice versa, can make use of the ferries that shuttle up and down the inlet once the bridge is closed for pedestrian traffic. Both the bridge and the ferries have evolved into a truly unique historical attraction. CPA is responsible for managing the Bridge & Ferries division of the harbor, which also involves the maintenance of the bridges. Apart from the Queen Emma Bridge, the division also takes care of the new Scharloo pedestrian bridge and the Wilhelmina Bridge. Both bridges connect the Scharloo area to the Punda area at opposite intersections, opening to allow the floating market merchants passage to the Waaigat area.