First surface cracks on Pelješac Bridge already appear
- by croatiaweek
- in News
The Pelješac Bridge in southern Croatia, though opened to traffic just over two years ago, is already in need of repairs.
While the damage is neither extensive nor dangerous at this point, if left unaddressed, it could worsen and it is in need of a facelift. Cracks are visible on the bridge’s pillars. However, Croatian Roads assure there is no cause for concern.
“It’s important to emphasise that these are not structural damages, but surface cracks that do not affect the safety or stability of the structure, nor the safe flow of traffic,” explained civil engineer Davor Perić from Croatian Roads in an interview with Dnevnik Nova TV.
Surface cracks are caused by the shrinkage of concrete and are common in new structures, but they must be repaired, especially in harsh environments like those near the sea.
“Salt and wind can push seawater into these cracks, allowing salt to reach the steel reinforcement, which can then corrode, reducing the bridge’s lifespan,” explained civil engineering expert witness Žarko Željko.
Despite everything, the residents of nearby areas, who had long dreamt of the bridge and whose lives have improved because of it, have no doubts about its safety.
“I haven’t paid much attention to it. I think it’s fine—it’s newly built, and there shouldn’t be any problems,” said local resident Pavo.
“I’m one hundred percent sure. The best concrete ever used in Croatia was used here on the Pelješac Bridge,” another local, Tomislav, confidently added.
If repairs are necessary, traffic may slow down, but locals are confident that the route through Neum will not be needed. They believe that at least one lane of the bridge will remain open during the works.
Fortunately, the Pelješac Bridge is still under warranty.
“All the works are covered by a ten-year warranty from the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation, and of course, they are obliged to be involved in this process as we monitor for defects during the usage phase,” Croatian Roads engineer Davor Perić told Dnevnik Nova TV.
However, monitoring the bridge’s condition is currently facing delays. Croatian Roads is collaborating with the Faculty of Civil Engineering, but the public procurement process for regular inspections has failed twice due to appeals.
Unfortunately, the sea and salt are unforgiving, and time is running out.
Pelješac Bridge
The bridge was constructed to connect the mainland with the Pelješac peninsula, bypassing a small section of coastline where Bosnia and Herzegovina has access to the Adriatic Sea.
It established an uninterrupted road connection between Croatia’s southernmost region, including Dubrovnik, and the rest of the country.
The bridge and its access roads opened for traffic on 26 July 2022.
