Queen Emma Bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge (Dutch: Koningin Emmabrug) 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 in 1955
• 
  The bridge, closed and with car traffic
• 
  The bridge, beginning to open
• 
  The bridge, open

Queen Emma Bridge
The bridge seen from the Otrobanda end towards Punda
Coordinates	12°06′22″N 68°56′07″W
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
Queen Emma Bridge Location in Curaçao

The bridge was built in 1888 and was completely renovated in 1939, 1961, 1983-1986, and 2005-2006. The lighting arches were installed in 1955, to celebrate the royal visit of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard.

1947, before the lighting, and showing the operator cabin

Originally a toll bridge from 1901-1934, individuals without shoes were permitted to cross the bridge without paying the toll. When the bridge swings open, two ferries spring into action to bring pedestrians across the water. The ferries are also free of charge. Motorized traffic ceased in 1974. Locally, the bridge is known as "Swinging Old Lady" as it will swing to the Otrabanda side of Willemstad.