The daily bridge opening hours during the season are:
Outbound: 09:00
Inbound: 09:30
Outbound: 11:00
Inbound: 11:30
Outbound: 16:30
Inbound: 17:30
In June 2009, the permanent repairs will continue. The bridge deck will be the primary focus. The works include extensive repair and conservation of the bottom side of the bridge deck. The damaged top layer on the upper deck will also be replaced by a new grid coating.
The new motor and the installed speed controller make it possible to operate the bridge at a higher wind speed limit than before. The wind speed limit used to be 20 miles per hour measured at a ten minute average. With the new installation the wind speed limit has been set at 27 miles per hour at a ten minute average which is a great improvement. A data monitoring and logger system keeps track of the bridgeʼs performance. On Friday November 28, 2008, the second repair period was expected to be finalized.
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; FKG Yacht Rigging & Marine Fabrication N.V.; Electec N.V.; SXM Marine Services N.V.; Sea Cure NV; William Arndell Bucket Truck Services; Hismar NV and Eric Dowling Inspection Services.
The executed permanent repairs to the structure and the moving mechanisms of the bridge guarantee the continuous safety and security of the bridge operation.
Hofman Sliedrecht B.V. will revise and update both the operating and maintenance manual of the bridge. Furthermore Hofman Sliedrecht B.V. will submit a report of their analysis and recommendations. The Inspectors of Rijkswaterstaat, (the Dutch Authority on Waterworks and Bridges) will submit a second report of their findings and recommendations.
On November 29, 2008 until November 30, 2008 the Simpson Bay Bridge opened at: 09:30; 11:30 and 17:30 for both inbound and outbound maritime traffic.
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 any further information please call the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authorityʼs 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.
