A new specialist inspection of the Pančevački Bridge in Belgrade is currently underway, addressing ongoing concerns about its structural integrity. The bridge, which has been under scrutiny for several years, is undergoing its routine five-year inspection to ensure safety and stability. Putevi Srbije, the state-owned company responsible for road infrastructure, has publicly addressed rumors circulating on social media about a cracked supporting pillar, categorically denying these claims as false.
The Pančevački Bridge has had a ban on heavy vehicles over 12 tons for the past five years due to its overall structural condition. This restriction was implemented following a previous specialist inspection conducted by MOSTPROJEKT, a licensed and authorized engineering firm. The inspection revealed the bridge’s compromised state, necessitating immediate measures to preserve the safety of traffic participants and the structural stability of the bridge.
Recent inspections have identified the need to replace two external prestressing cables on the bridge’s concrete approach structure on the right bank of the Danube. In response, Putevi Srbije has initiated preparatory work and issued orders to contractors for the replacement of these cables. A work scaffold has been set up beneath the bridge to facilitate access to the interior of the structure for these repairs. The public will be informed in advance about the commencement of these cable replacement works.
To enforce compliance with the weight restrictions, traffic police have increased their presence in the area, conducting enhanced traffic control operations. This measure aims to ensure that drivers of heavy vehicles adhere to the posted traffic signals and restrictions, which are in place to maintain safety on the bridge.
The ongoing inspection and maintenance efforts underscore the critical importance of the Pančevački Bridge as a vital infrastructure component in the region. The bridge has been subject to regular and intensified maintenance activities, reflecting the continuous efforts to address its structural challenges and ensure the safety of all who use it.
In addition to the immediate maintenance activities, the project for obtaining a construction permit for demolishing old approach structures and building new ones on the right side of the bridge is nearing completion. Once the necessary permits are secured from the relevant Ministry, and a contractor is selected through a public procurement process, construction is expected to begin in the spring of the following year. This timeline is contingent upon the progress of other projects in the area, such as the construction of a tunnel beneath central Belgrade and a new metro station.
The Pančevački Bridge’s current inspection and subsequent maintenance activities highlight the ongoing commitment to infrastructure safety and reliability in Serbia. The public’s concern and the spread of misinformation regarding the bridge’s condition emphasize the need for clear and accurate communication from authorities to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of all bridge users.
