Queen Emma Bridge (Willemstad) | footbridge, pontoon bridge

 footbridge, pontoon bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge is a swinging pontoon bridge for pedestrians to cross Sint Anna Bay. It connects the Punda and Otrobanda quarters of the capital city, Willemstad. The bridge is hinged and opens regularly to enable the passage of ocean going vessels.
Originally built in 1888 by Leonard Burlington Smith, and named after Queen Emma (1890–1898).
Points of interest—16 floating pontoon boats support the “Pontoon Bridge.” Also known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” it swings open using two powerful ship motors, allowing ships to access the port. From 1901 to 1934, people had to pay a toll to cross the bridge—with the exception of pedestrians going barefoot. When the bridge is open to let ships from the harbour pass, pedestrians are transported free of charge by the ponchi, a small ferry.
The bridge has recently been restored to its glory. All asphalt was taken off and replaced by originial wooden boards, the pontoons were repaired or replaced and at night the "swinging old lady" now swings in living color with her new lights.
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