CPA repairing the L.B. Smith Bridge

Published on September 16, 2014

The bridge heads of the L.B. Smith Bridge have been damaged and the bridge had to be closed temporarily for the safety of the pedestrians.

Willemstad, Curaçao – As we informed previously the bridge heads of the L.B. Smith Bridge have been damaged and the bridge had to be closed temporarily for the safety of the pedestrians. At present Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) together with the Department of Public Works is busy with the necessary repairs.

 

The bridge, a pedestrian bridge connecting Punda and Scharloo, is mainly made of wood. The bridge deck rests on 4 main beams. Each main beam consists of 3 wooden beams. At the bridge heads of this construction the upper beam is cracked, consequently a slight subsidence has occurred.

 

The repair entails the installation of a steel frame, consisting of 2 supporting arms and cross arms. This frame will be connected to the bridge deck with stainless steel bolts. The construction will rest on the steel frame.

 

The L.B. Smith Bridge is named after the American consul and architect of the Queen Emma Bridge and was completed and delivered in 2007. The construction of the bridge was financed with Usona funds.

 

The preparatory activities progress well and it is expected that the bridge will be reopened for pedestrians by mid-October.