STON, July 20, 2020 — The COVID-19 pandemic has further delayed construction on the Croatia Peljesac Bridge (Pelješki most). Here is an update on the bridge, tunnels, and access roads.
The Peljesac Bridge is beginning to take shape. Pillars or pylons are emerging from the sea, and some have already reached the height of future steel spans. However, it is becoming even more likely that the bridge will not be completed on schedule. And the COVID-19 pandemic is to blame. Soon 160 craftsmen will arrive from China, among them welders, as they will be essential for the next phase of construction.
China Parts Late: Factories Double Production
The current construction crew numbers about 650. However, factories closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in China, which delayed fabricating bridge parts for several months. Therefore, the Peljesac Bridge will be delayed, reports HRT/Dalmacija danas on July, 20, 2020.
“(Parts construction) has accelerated and they are working in two factories I(in China) to reduce the backlog. We anticipated a parts shipment at the end of July, but that was postponed until September,” explained Jeroslav Šegedin, a representative for Croatia Roads (Hrvatske Ceste).
A little more than half a year ago, the construction of access roads began, and should be completed by the middle of 2022.
Croatia Roads: Hope for On-Time Finish
“The section Strabag is working on will be done on time. However, Greek Avax is currently behind schedule. Nevertheless, we hope that everything will be finished on time,” added Šegedin.
The access roads and Ston bypass are part of the most demanding section leading to the Peljesac Bridge. The Brodosplit construction crew are currently working on the Ston Bridge, which will begin and end with a tunnel.
In a few days, blasting will begin at the site of the future Polakovica Tunnel, one of four planned tunnels for access roads on the Peljesac peninsula.
Peljesac Bridge Access Roads: Three Shifts, Weekends
The access road construction is currently happening in three shifts, including weekends. Here is a video of progress on one of the tunnels under construction.
Follow our Travel page for updates on road and bridge construction in Croatia.
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