Contract on reconstruction of "Gazela" bridge in second half of October

The Director General of "Putevi Srbije", Zoran Drobnjak, announced yesterday (September 30, 2009) that the contract on reconstruction of Belgrade-based bridge “Gazela” would be signed in 15 to 20 days, which should be followed by the commencement of works.

He said at the meeting of the Traffic Board of the Parliament of Serbia that two lanes in both directions would be open for traffic during the reconstruction.

- When the paving works on the bridge commence in two years, one whole side will be closed for traffic – said Drobnjak.

The Director General of "Putevi Srbije", Zoran Drobnjak, said that the banks had given their consents for signing of the contract on reconstruction of "Gazela".

EBRD and European Investment Bank (EIB) approved the loans in 2007 to public company "Putevi Srbije" for the works on "Gazela" and access roads, and the condition for both loans is successful realization of the plans for relocation of Roma people who used to live in the vicinity of the bridge.

- EIB has also signed the contract for starting loan of 25m EUR for reconstruction of "Gazela" bridge, and EBRD will provide 16m EUR for the repair of access roads, as a part of the loan of total of 80m EUR that is also intended for financing construction of Belgrade’s bypass – EBRD announced.

Built in 1970, "Gazela" bridge has never been reconstructed. About 170,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day, which is four times its projected capacity of about 40,000 vehicles a day.