RHPP Bistrica changing infrastructure of western Serbia: Reconstruction of three key bridges and relocation of water supply near Priboj to follow

Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) has announced two new tenders as part of preparations for the implementation of the RHPP Bistrica reversible hydropower project, which include the reconstruction of bridges and the relocation of key water supply infrastructure in the Priboj and Nova Varos areas.

The first tender, announced by the Drina-Lim HPP branch, concerns the reconstruction of three bridges on the IIA state road number 191, on the Bistrica - Pribojska Banja section. These are the bridges over Brezovacki potok, Duboka dolina and Duboki potok, at kilometers 2+650, 3+316 and 3+560. The estimated value of the works is around 470 million dinars, or approximately EUR 4 million. The deadline for submitting bids is May 14, and additional details of the tender (in Serbian) can be found HERE.

The planned works include construction work on the bridge structures themselves, adjusting the roads, arranging the drainage system, building retaining walls, as well as installing traffic signals and equipment. The reconstruction is necessary in order to adapt the existing infrastructure to the new function, given that after the construction of a deviation of the state road in the length of about 2.5 kilometers, this section will become an internal road within the RHPP Bistrica system.

The works on the project, according to the tender documentation, also require the relocation of part of the city infrastructure, including the water supply system that supplies Priboj and Pribojska Banja, as well as certain power lines.

In this regard, the second tender, the deadline for which is May 8, refers to the verification and analysis of the project documentation for the relocation of the route of the Priboj city water supply system. This work is an introduction to later works on the construction of a new water supply network in the length of about 4.5 kilometers, with pipelines with a diameter of 225 to 500 millimeters.

The existing water supply system relies on the karst springs of Celica, Bjelickovica and Saracevina, as well as on the Radoinja reservoir within the Bistrica hydroelectric power plant system. Water is transported through a tunnel about eight kilometers long to the plant, and then further to the “Mihajlovac” water treatment plant. Part of the water supply route passes right through the zone of the planned facilities of the RHPP Bistrica, which is why its relocation is necessary.

The new water supply route will be laid along existing forest roads and a state road, and the construction of accompanying facilities such as break chambers, sludge outlets, air valves and connection shafts is also planned. The goal is to ensure complete independence of the water supply system from the future hydroelectric power plant and uninterrupted water supply to the local population.

More details (in Serbian) about the tender HERE.

These tenders represent another step in the implementation of one of the most important energy projects in Serbia, which aims to increase energy storage capacity and stabilize the electricity system.

B. P.

Elektroprivreda Srbije ad Beograd

Elektroprivreda Srbije

EPS

Drina Lim hydro power plants

RHPP Bistrica

state road Bistrica Pribojska Banja

bridge over Brezovački potok

bridge over Duboka dolina

bridge over Duboki potok

relocation of water supply infrastructure in Priboj