Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation hereby announces that Saturday July 4, 2009 the Simpson Bay Bridge will open for maritime traffic at 18:00 hours PM instead of Sunday, July 5.
Beginning Sunday, July 5, 2009 the Simpson Bay Bridge daily opening hours will be the customary hours for the off-season, namely: 09:30; 11:30 and 17:30 hours for both inbound and outbound maritime traffic.
Please be advised that the outbound maritime traffic has preference over the inbound traffic. Please start transiting only after the Bridge Attendant has signaled the free passage by giving the green light for vessel traffic.
During this period the main repair work consisted of the reconditioning of the lift deck: stripping the old worn out coating, grid blasting the upper deck, welding where necessary and resurfacing the deck with epoxy and new grid slurry, including the side walks.
Underneath the bridge, the lower deck was inspected on deficiencies, corrected and repaired where necessary, hydro jetted and completely conserved by applying four different layers of epoxy and polyurethane paint.
In the last two weeks of August 2009 Hofman Sliedrecht will continue the repair works replacing the traffic barrier boxes and booms; installing new traffic lights and installing a new electrical control cabinet for the bridge.
All the repairs to the Simpson Bay Bridge are based on the recommendations made by Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Authority for Waterworks and Bridges. They are done to ensure the durability and longevity of the Simpson Bay Bridge and to ensure the safety and security of all its users.
In August 2009 Inspectors of Rijkswaterstaat will once more asses the condition of the bridge after all the improvements and will submit a report to the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority admonishes all small craft: dinghies, tenders, kayaks, rhino riders and jet skis to use the port channel when transiting the bridge channel. Small craft are not allowed to transit the bridge channel during opening hours of the bridge.
In particular the jet skis have to lower their waterspout at all times when transiting through the port channel. Jet Ski operators should instruct their guides and renters to lower their waterspout as not to corrode the steel structures of the bridge.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority wishes to thank all pedestrians, automobilists and captains /owners of vessels for their endurance and patience caused by all the inconveniences of the repair period.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority wishes to thank all the companies that participated in the repair work at the bridge. Hofman Sliedrecht B.V. as the main contractor; Feyenoord N.V.; Carnefco N.V.;Electec N.V. SXM Marine Services N.V.; Sea Cure Marine Construction NV; William Arndell Bucket Truck Services; Windward Roads; Avalon NV; Hismar NV and Eric Dowling Inspection Services, Public works, Police Traffic Department.
For any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority’s Collection Office at the Police Station in Simpson Bay next to the bridge at tel.no: 545 3183 or via the Police Station at tel.no: 545 5500/01/02/03/04/05 or call the Bridge Operator on VHF channel 12.