PHOTOS: New bridge in Trogir attracts attention

(Photo: Grad Trogir)

A new pedestrian bridge in the Croatian coastal town of Trogir has officially opened, and it already has attracted a lot of attention. 

The first to “test” the new bridge were children from Trogir’s Vrabac kindergarten, who were unexpectedly surprised by Saint Nicholas, much to their delight.

Soon after, other residents and passers-by began crossing it as well.

“We know how much this bridge was needed by our residents, especially those who live and work in the historic core. I believe it will be a source of satisfaction for everyone, meeting both functional and aesthetic needs,” Trogir mayor Ante Bilić said, adding.

“An elderly resident told me she finds the bridge very pleasant to cross. We adhered to the highest professional standards, from the architectural competition to public procurement, and despite all the pressure, we didn’t want to open the bridge without securing a usage permit, which we obtained in a record time of about 10 days.”

(Photo: Grad Trogir)

The major says that bridge will shine even brighter once Fortin Park on one side in refurbished, and the area stretching from Soline to the market on the other side. This encompasses a 44,000 square metre space, for which a conceptual architectural and urban design through a public competition has already been secured.

“Once completed, this entire area will gain a cohesive appearance, further highlighting the bridge. I hope the bridge will last for many years, and that we’ll achieve similar projects in the future.”

(Photo: Grad Trogir)

The bridge’s construction cost approximately €1,026,000 plus VAT, including the complete reconstruction of foundations, which were in much worse condition than anticipated.

A public architectural competition for the bridge’s design attracted as many as 26 submissions, with the winning design coming from the studio Prostorne Taktike.

(Photo: Grad Trogir)

The bridge is a steel structure weighing 65 tonnes. Its maximum width is 10.40 metres, with a height of just over 4 metres. The span measures 25 metres, while the total length is 30 metres.

(Photo: Grad Trogir)

“The decorative coating on the bridge mimics rust, a solution inspired by good practices in other cities under conservation protection. Beneath this coating are several layers of anti-corrosion protection,” explained designer Luka Cvitan, who elaborated on some of the bridge’s innovative features:

“We aimed to merge functionality with aesthetics. The competition required that the bridge not only serve a utilitarian purpose but also offer spaces for socialising and lingering. On one side, we installed a cluster of chairs for seating, and on the other, a hammock-like net for lounging. The net itself can support up to 80 tonnes,” Cvitan explained.

(Photo: Grad Trogir)

Some of the reactions have been mixed so far. Some comments include that the bridge does not fit into the style of the architecture of the town and is too modern, whilst other locals have been impressed and applauded the work of the town.