ZAGREB, October 7, 2020 — The old Savski most (Sava Bridge) in Zagreb near Kajzerica has deteriorated significantly. However, thousands of citizens cross it every day. The bearings are crumbling and the state of the sidewalk is concerning. It is still not clear when the City of Zagreb will begin the restoration.
The restoration and reconstruction of the old Savski most (Sava Bridge) in Zagreb has been planned since the Universiade (1987). The last time it had a “makeover” was on the eve of the local elections according to HRT.
Thousands of pedestrians and cyclists cross the Sava Bridge every day. The residents of Kajzerica are especially dependent on it. For them it is the closest way to the tram to the city center. Coincidentally, the president of the Kajzerica Local Board is an expert in designing bridges.
“The bearings of the bridge on which the load-bearing structure lies, i.e. the slab on which people move – are completely rotten. One can go under the bridge and and crush them by hand. Now, no one can predict when they will give in completely,” claims Ana Gugić.
In addition, there are simple steel plates are covering the holes which have opened up on the sidewalk. Since this is a rather uncertain solution, a temporary fence has also been set up.
Unclear When Last Inspection on Bridge Took Place
That is why the initiative Zagreb Te Zove (Zagreb is calling you) is calling attention to the construction inspection.
“We can see everything and nothing from their answer. We are looking for a date. Apparently, the last inspection was in 2018, and now it is 2020. We have also asked them to provide us with a copy of the decision,” states Gordana Pasanec.
We also sent an inquiry to the state inspectors. Their response was similar and we haven’t received an answer as to when they carried out a bridge inspection the last time.
“By an oral decision, the owner had to mark the construction site as dangerous and set up a fence in order to prevent the physical use of pedestrian paths until the irregularities are eliminated,” the State Inspectorate of Croatia replied.
City Office: Public Procurement Procedure is Nearing Completion
We also received a written answer from the City of Zagreb stating that they had received the project documentation. They wrote that the public procurement procedure was nearing completion and that it was necessary to sign a contract with the two companies that won the tender. One of the companies repaired the Most slobode (Freedom Bridge), and they are currently renovating the Most mladosti (Youth Bridge).
The City Office for Physical Planning, City Construction, Construction, Communal Affairs and Transport noted that they have to take care of some matters before the start of the renovation project. “It is necessary to initiate the procedure for the selection of the main professional supervision, geodetic supervision, coordinator of safety at work and design supervision. Immediately after the selection of all remaining participants in the restoration, the project will commence,” the office announced.
Unofficially, the project will most likely begin in 2021 although they asked the City of Zagreb to start this year. That is due to the busy schedule of construction workers who are restoring the Most mladosti (Youth Bridge).
Follow our Politics page for updates on the condition of the Savski most (Sava Bridge) and Zagreb’s restoration and construction plans.
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