Concerns Raised as Cracks Appear on Southern Croatia Bridge
Initial signs of deterioration were observed on the bridge in southern Croatia at the end of 2024, prompting a response from Hrvatske ceste, the company responsible for managing the infrastructure. The company has stated that the bridge remains stable and poses no immediate danger to traffic. On Monday, Ivica Budimir, the president of Hrvatske ceste’s management board, addressed the issue on Nova TV.
He confirmed the presence of cracks but asserted they do not compromise the bridge’s structural integrity. Budimir emphasized the importance of immediate repair work to prevent further complications. “Depending on the size of the cracks, the surface layer of concrete to the main reinforcement will need to be removed, then this layer restored and further protected,” Budimir explained.
The repairs are intended to address a critical issue: the penetration of salt and moisture through the cracks. This intrusion could ultimately damage the bridge’s main reinforcement, potentially leading to significant structural problems within the next 20 to 30 years. Hrvatske ceste plans to undertake this preventative maintenance to ensure the bridge’s continued functionality for many years.
The company’s focus is on addressing the current issue to avoid more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
Topics: #bridge #years #first
