“The bridge is in a critical condition and that is why the traffic of vehicles over 3.5 tons has been stopped,” the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia, Giorgos Kasapidis, told GRTimes.gr. “Confusion” also arose in the movement of students and citizens, due to the extraordinary traffic regulations.

It seems that the problem in the High Bridge of the Serbs of Kozani is bigger than what was initially revealed during the work – which was carried out recently – to repair the serious cracks. This had the effect of prohibiting the passage of vehicles over 3.5 tons from Sunday evening (12/3) and creating many problems in the movement of professionals, citizens, and students.

The new problem that “came” to the surface and the work to be done

“We are in the phase of starting additional repair work on the bridge, in order to further strengthen its strength at two joints where significant corrosion was detected, while a crack was also revealed in a tendon that had increased oxidation. Inspections were to be carried out since 1995 and this was done then, after the May earthquake in the region,” the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia, Giorgos Kasapidis, told GRTimes.gr.

According to Mr. Kasapidis, “the bridge is in a critical condition and for this reason traffic was stopped for vehicles over 3.5 tons, with the aim of not burdening it any further. The additional study has been done and work has started to strengthen the support of the bridge even more. I hope we don’t have any more “surprises” to enter the final phase. In about two months, the restoration of the damage will be completed.”

At the same time, he notes that the problem is located on the “sides” of the High Bridge of Servia and more specifically at the beginning of the route from Kozani to Servia, where the “cantilever” with the “deck” is located.

Also, according to information from GRTimes.gr, those in charge of the works, while they had started the sanitization of the body of the bridge, immediately found the worn (oxidation) part instead of the healthy one.

In addition, after the completion of these specific works, a comprehensive study will be “run” for its total repair, because it is the second largest bridge in the country, 1,372 meters long, which was opened to traffic in 1974 and crosses the artificial lake of Polyphytos. It is the bridge that connects Western Macedonia with Thessaly, which means that it has a heavy traffic load, because hundreds of cars cross it every day.

It should be noted that the passage of trucks has been carried out since last Sunday evening by the Provincial Network, with the Hellenic Truck Federation (OFAE) not being positioned on the matter for the time being. However, the Regional Governor of Western Macedonia told GRTimes.gr that “Everything has been regulated by the Traffic Police. The trucking professionals show understanding because they ‘saw’ there was a problem.”

In the “air” the movement of students – How they get to school so far

A huge issue has also arisen regarding the movement of students who are transported daily by school buses to their schools, in Servia Kozani.

According to information from GRTimes.gr, since the announcement of the measures, school buses have been picking up the students from their villages, then the students disembark at a large platform on the border of the bridge and from there with smaller KTEL buses – the which is within the permissible limit of 3.5 tons – they cross the bridge, they are left again at a point and from there they board a 50-seater bus and are taken to school!

“Currently, cars with a gross weight of 3.5 tons are allowed to pass on the bridge. There are two solutions, either to make the round with the buses – covering a longer distance – or with two small KTEL buses, to cross the bridge in a time that does not exceed 2-3 minutes” adds the president of the “KTEL Makedonia” station , Yannis Lambrou.

Despite this, the president of KTEL Kozani, Nikos Tsetsinas, assures the citizens through GRTimes.gr that on Friday (17/3) a Regional Council will be held and a permanent solution will be found until the work is completed.

“However, these days, every day there are changes in transportation, because overnight we were informed that the bridge is closed for vehicles over 3.5 tons, with the result that hundreds of students, as well as citizens, cannot be properly served. However, two solutions are being considered at the moment: The first is for the buses to circle and cross Rymnio, but the students would have to start earlier to avoid missing class, because this route takes about 15 minutes. Also, during this time, the transfers are made with smaller buses, so that the bridge can be crossed more quickly and then they go to their destinations either with the mini buses themselves or with the 50-seater ones”, adds Mr. Tsetsinas.

“A comprehensive study should be carried out and all safety measures should be taken

The president of the TEE/Western Macedonia Department, Stergios Kianas, spoke to GRTimes.gr about the knowledge needed for the study of the Serbian Bridge, the security measures and the problems that will be solved with its restoration.

“A comprehensive maintenance study for the bridge has always been pending. In this context, the Region had committed some resources of the ministry, so that a technical consultant could be appointed to start the restoration work. If the works are finished, the traffic lights will also come out of the bridge, so many problems that were created in previous years will be solved,” noted Mr. Kianas.

Finally, he said that the bridge needs specialized knowledge and so far recognized people in the field have undertaken the study for its restoration. “Everyone’s goal is to carry out a comprehensive maintenance study of the bridge so that there is no doubt as to the safety of the vehicles and the people who use it every day. Although all this should have been done years ago… at least all the agencies have been mobilized now, so that all the security measures that the Serbian Bridge needs to be taken are taken.”

Photo Source: Facebook – Regional Governor of Western Macedonia – Giorgos Kasapidis