Work guarantees the safety of an important roadway for our community
The Government of Aruba, through the Department of Public Works (DOW), is moving forward with a major maintenance project on the Wilhelminabrug (Wilhelmina Bridge), an important component of Oranjestad’s infrastructure. The bridge allows traffic to pass daily over L.G. Smith Boulevard, one of Aruba’s main arteries.
According to DOW spokesperson, Elisa Chieh Chen-Lake, the works began in September of last year and consist of a restoration of the lower part of the structure. “We started last year with intensive work underneath the bridge. The main work focuses on the restoration of the concrete, which over several decades has suffered wear and tear due to salinity, humidity, and other environmental influences,” Chieh Chen-Lake explained.
During several inspections, technicians noted that different sections of concrete had to be removed and some even rebuilt. The process included the removal of deteriorated concrete, deep cleaning of the affected area, and pouring new concrete to strengthen the structure. According to Chieh Chen-Lake, the project faced several challenges during its execution. “One of the biggest challenges was transporting the material removed from underneath the bridge. In the beginning, it was not easy to find a company that could take on this specialized work. However, DOW and the contractors involved kept searching for solutions to keep the project on track.”
The Wilhelminabrug holds considerable historical value for Aruba. The original plan to build the bridge dates back to 1940. Construction was completed in 1954, and it was officially put into use in 1955. This means that the infrastructure has been serving locals and tourists for more than seventy years. According to DOW, this is the first major and comprehensive restoration the bridge has received since it was built. “This is probably the most extensive maintenance work the bridge has seen in its existence. The government is investing in this infrastructure to guarantee that it can continue to serve Aruba for many more decades,” Chieh Chen-Lake indicated.
According to planning, DOW anticipates that the main works will be completed in July or August of this year. The government continues to invest in preventive maintenance and the restoration of our infrastructure, with the goal of preserving traffic safety and protecting the public investments that serve our community daily.
