“The problem was also quite evident in 2020 when I did the inspection of the bridge,” pointed out the professor of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Stergios Pitoulis, following the important findings on the high bridge of the Serbs in Kozani from the workshop which has started her rehabilitation, as a tendon was identified which has suffered significant damage.

He also added: “Although it was visual, it was clear that it had very large downward movements, and in addition, the positions in which they are currently reinforced with external prestressing, i.e. positions connecting the sections of the cantilever structure with the independent pieces and in 2020 had showed that they had extensive damage, so it’s nothing new.

(…) The problem has a very large technical spectrum, whether the strength of the bridge is left there, economic effects – which can affect the local community -, social policies, even effects on the reputation and reputation of the way which we manage our constructions.

Residual stamina is not a single answer. It is a range of responses from very small, with very high risk, to very large, with minimal risk. We don’t know right now exactly how long the endurance is. There is a much smaller percentage of stamina left than we would like.”

Speaking to ERT, he essentially confirmed that the bridge in question is at its lowest limits, i.e. its operational condition is limited, while adding: “There is a small risk to keep the bridge open, but we cannot close it completely , because this will have very large indirect consequences for the local community. The bridge is definitely in big trouble. This is certain.

(…) In these three years, since 2020 when the first inspection took place, some time may have been lost. I don’t know for what reasons – maybe it was the case of the coronavirus that delayed things. But within these three years a full reinforcement could have been made.

Those who hear that reinforcements will be made within a month or two, I believe will be even impossible in this case. Let’s look at corresponding cases. For example, in countries that build structures very quickly like England, the repair of Hammersmith Bridge, for example, took a year and a half.

This bridge is even more difficult to restore. Therefore, it will take a few years and obviously the budget that concerns 152,000 euros is very, very low. It could strengthen the bridge only locally.”