“Gazela” rehabilitation starts in the end of August – traffic without obstructions during sanitation works

Rehabilitation of “Gazela” bridge will be started in the end of August, as it was stated to “Blic” newspapers by Mr. Milutin Mrkonjic, Minister for infrastructure. The sanitation works will start as soon as the non-hygienic residential territory above the bridge is dislocated, which is also planned for this month.

- There is no more waiting. Rehabilitation of “Gazela” is starting in August. The money is provided and everything is ready for the beginning of works. First, we will dislocate the non-hygienic residential area, even tough the works could start regardless. During sanitation works, the traffic will not be obstructed. Several tracks will be provided for drivers on daily basis, said Mr.Mrkonjic.

A few days earlier, Belgrade’s Mayer, Mr. Dragan Djilas, also confirmed that “Gazela” birdge’s rehabilitation would start soon. On that occasion, Mr. Djilas mentioned that because of rehabilitation works, the traffic might be jammed entirely and that in his opinion it would be better to primarily finish the bridge over Ada Ciganlija.

- I am sorry that my proposal to renovate “Gazela” bridge only how much it was necessary before construction of the new bridge, did not get positive reactions. The Republic has taken credit loans for this project, so everything would be done as planned, stated Mr.Djilas.

“Gazela” bridge’s rehabilitation was already announced and postoponed several times, and if the Authorities do as it was promised, this will be the first sanitation since the bridge was built, before 38 years. The works will lat 18 months, and during this time the bridge will be more supported so it could stand 165.000 cars, which is the average number of vehicles that daily passes this bridge.

The value of this project is 80 million euros. The money was provided from the loan from the European Bank for rehabilitation and development. The Government has chosen through a tender Austrian company “Strabag” as the main contractor, while subcontractor is a domestic company “Mostogradnja”.

The bridge with most traffic

Even tough it was project designed for 40.000 vehicles, around 165.000 vehicles passes over “Gazela” bridge on daily basis. “Gazela” was started in 1966, and final works were done in 1971, as part of “Brotherhood and unity” highway. Total length of the bridge with access roads is 3.395 meters, and the driveway is 21,8 meters wide (three tracks in both directions of 10 m, with disconnection line of 1,5 meter). There are also two pedestrian tracks, each 3 m wide. “Gazela” was built across the Sava river, on 22.8 meters. The bridge construction is a combination of blockheads and arch.

(Note: the text was entirely taken from “Blic” newspapers, from August, 17th, 2009)