Queen Emma Bridge

Queen Emma Bridge

The bridge seen from the Otrobanda end towards Punda
Crosses St. Anna bay
Locale Willemstad, Curaçao
Characteristics
Design Pontoon bridge
Total length 167 m (548 feet)
Width 9.80 m (32 feet)
History
Opened 1888, restored 1939 and 2006
The Queen Emma Bridge is the pontoon bridge in the center, with the colorful buildings of Willemstad in the background.

The Queen Emma Bridge is a pontoon bridge across St. Anna Bay in Curaçao. It connects the Punda and Otrobanda quarters of the capital city, Willemstad. The bridge is hinged and opens regularly to enable the passage of oceangoing vessels. On the opposite end from the hinge is a small shelter where an operator controls two diesel engines turning propellers. The propellers are mounted perpendicular to the length of the bridge and allow it to swing parallel to the shore. The process only takes a few minutes to complete.

The bridge when it is operating for pedestrians, seen from the Punda side towards the Otrobanda side.

The bridge was built in 1888 and was completely renovated in 1939. Originally it was a toll bridge. Individuals without shoes were permitted to cross the bridge without paying the toll; however, today, a toll is no longer applied. When the bridge swings open, two ferries spring into action to bring pedestrians across the water. The ferries are also free of charge.

Locally, the bridge is known as "Our Swinging Old Lady" as it will swing to the Otrabanda side of Willemstad.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1000awesomethingsaboutcuracao (2013-03-14). "745. Our Swinging Old Lady: Queen Emma". 1000 Awesome Things About Curaçao. Retrieved 2016-06-29.

Coordinates: 12°06′22″N 68°56′07″W / 12.10611°N 68.93528°W / 12.10611; -68.93528


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