WILLEMSTAD - The Department of Public Works (OW) has issued a statement clarifying the situation surrounding the temporary closure of the Queen Juliana Bridge on Friday, October 24.

According to OW, its engineers detected cracks in the asphalt surface on the Otrobanda side of the bridge, near the viaduct section. After the discovery, OW and the Curaçao Police Force decided to temporarily close the bridge to traffic in order to conduct a full inspection and determine the exact cause of the problem.

Experts explained that the viaduct sections beneath the bridge are composed of concrete beams connected together and covered with asphalt. Due to natural processes known as “shrinkage” and “expansion” of the materials, some of the beams shifted slightly, causing two visible cracks in the asphalt on the bridge deck—on both sides of the roadway.

OW has since taken immediate measures to repair the damaged sections and prevent the issue from reoccurring. Routine and preventive maintenance work will continue to ensure the bridge’s long-term safety and stability.

The department emphasized that the Queen Juliana Bridge is now safe for public use, and motorists can cross without concern. OW reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the island’s infrastructure to the highest safety standards.