Construction of the bridge is proceeding according to plan

The deadline for reconstructing the first section of the state road connecting Ravne na Koroškem to Dravograd has passed, according to officials. The project was initially scheduled to be completed by this date, but delays have pushed back progress. Officials with the Infrastructure Directorate are currently determining whether a new deadline will be set. Local mayor Tomaž Rožen expressed surprise at the delay but remained optimistic about future developments. He voiced concerns over recent shifts in government priorities, suggesting that funding shortages might be contributing to the slowdown. As of now, the reconstruction efforts near Kovtr’s Bridge in the municipality of Dravograd are still ongoing, though they have not yet reached their final stages. The flood damage occurred in August 2023, prompting the initiation of reconstruction work in March 2025. Since then, the project has progressed steadily, although challenges remain before reaching the bridge area. The Infrastructure Directorate continues to evaluate the situation, aiming to provide clarity on the revised schedule soon. Mayor Rožen emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum despite the setbacks, highlighting the need for continued investment and coordination among stakeholders. In Medvode, construction of the new bridge over the river Sora is proceeding according to plan. Recently, the pouring of the deck structure was successfully completed, marking one of the most critical and technically demanding phases of the project. This phase involved placing approximately 800 cubic meters of concrete and around 140 tons of steel for reinforcement and prestressing. The new bridge is designed to replace the old one, which sustained damage during the floods three years ago and had been partially dismantled before the start of the new construction. Until the new bridge is completed, the existing structure has only been open to cyclists and pedestrians. The new bridge spans the river in a single span of 58.69 meters, with an overall length of about 67 meters. It features a five-and-a-half-meter-wide driving surface, allowing for two-way traffic. Additionally, two wide pedestrian walkways have been incorporated into the design. The bridge is constructed using an integrated, prestressed reinforced concrete structure, making it significantly more resilient against potential future flood events due to its design that avoids support pillars within the waterway. Alongside the bridge construction, related works on the municipal infrastructure are also underway. These include improvements to roads, utilities, and other essential services that will complement the new bridge. Authorities anticipate completing all aspects of the project by the end of this year, ensuring that the new bridge becomes fully operational and enhances transportation safety and efficiency in the region. Local officials in Medvode stress the significance of the new bridge as part of broader recovery efforts following the floods. They emphasize that the bridge represents a major investment in restoring infrastructure and improving connectivity. The completion of this project is expected to contribute positively to the local economy and community resilience, providing long-term benefits beyond immediate flood protection. Construction teams continue to focus on meeting the project's deadlines while addressing any unforeseen challenges. The successful execution of key structural elements, such as the recently poured deck, indicates that the project is on track to meet its projected completion date. With the final stages of construction approaching, attention is shifting toward ensuring that all components of the infrastructure upgrade are completed to the required standards.