PHILIPSBURG--Prins Bernhard Bridge was paved with concrete overlaid with asphalt yesterday. This was phase one of the bridge upgrading works, Public Works Department Head of Maintenance Claudius Buncamper told The Daily Herald.
The bridge was closed off to all vehicular traffic for several hours while the road works were being carried out. No significant traffic congestion was created, as Sunday traffic tends to be pretty light.
The wooden walkway will be replaced soon with steel and a coat of paint will be applied to the handrails in the second phase of the works. The Executive Council has already given its approval for the second phase.
Usually, maintenance work is carried out on the bridge for the Carnival season so it is reinforced to take the increased traffic.
However, this year a more structural upgrading was done, Buncamper said. Prompting this structural upgrade was a section of the bridge showing signs of collapsing from underneath.
Upon investigation it was discovered that the section was in no damage of collapsing, he stated. "There was no structural damage."
Windward Roads N.V. carried out the works on the bridge.
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