Old Sava Bridge Disaster: Worse Condition Than Anyone Expected!
Did you know that the old railway bridge near Belgrade, which connected New Belgrade and Savski Venac, was in such terrible shape that during dismantling it was discovered the structure was far worse than initial analyses showed? Yes, you read that right!
A bridge meant to last forever, but didn’t
Built during the German occupation, this bridge was a symbol of connection for decades, but also a danger to everyone who used it. Chief designer Danijel Kukaraš revealed that some parts of the bridge, like hangers, cross beams, and main supports, were so corroded they had to be reinforced before removal.
Rotten pillars and hollow concrete supports
The worst part was the concrete pillars in the water. The wooden piles beneath them were rotten, and the pillars themselves were hollow! Did anyone even check the bridge’s condition before allowing its use? This seriously compromised the safety of the bridge and everyone crossing it.
New bridge – a rescue or a new headache?
A new bridge is being built in place of the old one, featuring two lanes for vehicles in both directions, tram tracks, pedestrian and bicycle paths.
The new bridge will be wider and more functional, with a greater distance between pillars, allowing better river traffic.
While the new bridge is under construction, the remains of the old bridge are carefully dismantled and stored in Batajnica, where they will be thoroughly examined and possibly reused elsewhere.
Who’s to blame for this mess?
Is this just the result of time and natural decay, or has someone been turning a blind eye to dangers for years? How could the initial analyses be so wrong?
What does this teach us?
This case is a warning to all of us – infrastructure cannot be neglected! Citizens’ safety must come first, not saving money on inspections and maintenance.
Conclusion
The old Sava bridge was in worse condition than claimed, potentially endangering many lives. The new bridge brings hope, but also raises the question – how many more such “silent” problems do we have in our cities?
If you have thoughts on this bridge or similar stories, drop a comment below. Maybe it’s time we all shook up those in charge!
This article is based solely on available information from reliable sources.
