Emergency refurbishment of "Gazela" - "Mostogradnja" to commence works on busiest junction in Belgrade

It's been nearly seven years since expert circles started talking about the need for emergency reconstruction of "Gazela" bridge. The authorized people did everything they can, but, in order for Serbia to be able to use 33m EUR worth of loan of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, it is necessary that the Board of Directors of that bank approves the Rome People Relocation Action Plan.

Roma people were moved out from under the bridge, but they complained about the accommodation they got and lack of re-socialization programmes for that population.

In the meantime, public company "Putevi Srbije" gave the order to "Mostogradnja" to start the overhaul of the most endangered parts of the bridge. Rehabilitation is expected in March, while complete reconstruction should commence in summer.

Due to dillapidation of the bridge, another 40m EUR worth of loan is necessary for the works to commence. Holes, bumpy lanes, protective fence in very bad state that can fall down on a train or contact network of 10,000 volts any moment, are only some of the problems of the bridge that becomes more and more dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers.

"Mostogradnja" will try to ensure normal functioning of traffic on the bridge in the next few days. The works on the fence and pavements have already been postponed on several occasions, but traffic jams on the bridge are expected, although the works will be carried out mainly during the night or at weekends and in one lane at the time only. More complex works will commence in summer when reconstruction of the bridge structure and rehabilitation of high-speed lanes are expected.

The main obstacle in reconstruction is still the Rome People Relocation Action Plan, which must be approved by the Board of Directors of EBRD.

As soon as the Action plan is approved, the contract will be signed and all preparations works will commence. The first closing of "Gazela" is expected before August. "Gazela" bridge is, currently, the most burdened infrastructure facility in the country since 168,000 vehicles cross it every day, although its maximum capacity is 38,000 vehicles. The experts say that every delay not only increases the prices of works, but also seriously endangers safety of the whole bridge.