Four-year rehabilitation of footbridge: cracks not dangerous but need to be repaired

VečerIndependent🔒Center4 hr. ago

The Pelješki bridge, which opened in July 2022 after being completed as one of Croatia's largest infrastructure projects, will undergo its first major repairs four years later. The repairs, set to begin in autumn 2026, aim to address cracks in the protective concrete layer of the bridge's pillars. While experts state these cracks do not compromise the structural integrity of the bridge, they could potentially shorten its lifespan if left untreated. The cracks, found on all six pillars, range from 3.5 to 6 cm deep and may allow moisture and salt to corrode the steel reinforcement over time. The Croatian road authority emphasizes that the cracks are not dangerous to users but highlight concerns about long-term durability. Repairs will include removing damaged concrete layers, inspecting their condition, and applying new protective coatings. Some sections may also use carbon fiber reinforcements to prevent further damage. The project was designed by Slovenian engineer Marjan Pipenbaher, who attributed the cracks to improper curing of the concrete rather than design flaws. The cost of repairs remains undisclosed, as the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation, is expected to bear

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a civil engineering project and its maintenance without overtly promoting any political ideology. It reports on technical assessments, expert opinions, and administrative decisions regarding the bridge's repair, maintaining a balanced tone. There is no clear sl