EIS Simpson Bay Lagoon Bridge, St. Maarten

To solve or reduce traffic jam problems around Simpson Bay Lagoon and to improve the accessibility of Prinses Juliana International Airport and the Lowlands, the Island Territory of St. Maarten wishes to construct a new traffic connection between the airport and the east bank of the Lagoon. This new main route is part of the Road Network Improvement Plan (RNIP) and is titled Link 9. Lievense undertook a study in which three technical solutions are being evaluated:

• a bridge with movable section
• a fixed bridge with high elevated section
• a tunnel

and two alternative routes:

• a northern and
• a southern alignment

The evaluation comprises the judgement of solutions and routes on the following issues: accessibility of destinations for local and through traffic, safety of road, water and air traffic nuisance and environmental quality (air and noise), environmental protection and preservation of nature, land use development and economy, investment and maintenance costs, hindrance during construction.

Activities:

• site visit and consultations
• study and analyses
• environmental assessment