From the overpass on the Long Bridge, plaster is falling: "We're just waiting for it to fall apart". What do they say at Dars?

Residents of the Long Bridge have raised concerns over severe damage to the highway overpass, from which debris has been falling, exposing the steel structure beneath. The situation has sparked alarm among locals who claim the overpass has been in poor condition for some time, with chunks of debris accumulating underneath. “We’re just waiting for it to collapse and hurt someone,” one resident wrote online. “We don’t know if anyone intends to fix it. The bridge sees a lot of traffic daily, yet there seems to be little interest in repairs. The damage hasn’t occurred recently. Repairs haven’t been done for some time.” The issue was brought to the attention of Dars, the Slovenian Road Infrastructure Agency, which confirmed they were aware of the situation. According to Dars, they regularly monitor the condition of all bridges within the motorway network and conduct inspections in accordance with regulations governing the maintenance of public roads. They stated that regular inspections of the Long Bridge were scheduled this year, and a main inspection had already been carried out on the structure. Damage was identified primarily on the upper and support structures of the object. Based on these findings, Dars has already initiated preparations for the rehabilitation of the viaduct, including the preparation of project documentation. Currently, a public tender process is underway for the execution of repair work. According to technical assessments conducted by Dars, despite the identified damages, there are currently no grounds for restricting the load capacity of the structure or implementing temporary traffic measures. “Experts conducting inspections of viaducts did not request restrictions on traffic, so the viaduct remains safe for use both for traffic on the motorway and for participants under the structure,” Dars added. Despite these assurances, residents remain concerned that the bridge will not be repaired in a timely manner and that Dars will only recognize the severity of the situation once an accident occurs. Their unease stems from a lack of visible action and the belief that the agency might only respond after an incident. The issue was also raised with the Infrastructure Inspectorate, which claimed it had not been informed about the problem and therefore could not comment on the current state of the structure. If the inspectorate does carry out an inspection, it could potentially set deadlines for the road management company to address deficiencies and irregularities based on its findings. The Long Bridge, located on the A2 motorway connecting Ljubljana and Zagreb, is a critical link in Slovenia’s transportation network. It carries a high volume of daily traffic, making its structural integrity essential for public safety. The growing concern among local residents highlights the need for transparency and prompt action regarding infrastructure maintenance. Residents continue to call for immediate attention to the deteriorating condition of the bridge, emphasizing their fear that the situation could escalate if left unaddressed. While Dars maintains that the bridge is still structurally sound, the community's apprehension underscores the gap between official reassurances and grassroots concerns. Local authorities have been urged to provide more detailed information on the timeline for repairs and the specific steps being taken to ensure the safety of the structure. Until such clarity is provided, the uncertainty surrounding the Long Bridge’s future remains a pressing issue for those living and traveling near the site.