Manwel Dimech Bridge deemed safe for now

A German expert has certified that Manwel Dimech Bridge, along Regional Road, is still safe for the next 12 months as long as present traffic measures are adhered to.

Wolfgang Stremmel, one of the leading bridge inspectors in Germany, gave his seal of approval during a visit a few weeks ago, Roads Ministry spokesman Daryl Pace said.

Mr Stremmel is considered a leader in his field. When Germany was unified he was given the task of inspecting over 1,000 bridges in East Germany.

A French engineering society, which inspected the road earlier this year, had reported dangerous oscillations along the bridge, which was installed in 1971 with a lifespan of 35 years.

The government immediately slapped on a speed limit of 45 kilometres and limited the vehicle weight to between 35 and 40 tonnes in an attempt to reduce the oscillations.

Asked if motorists were observing the traffic measures, Mr Pace said that overall the public was slowing down, but police and wardens were also making sure they enforced the law.

Mr Pace said that in the meantime the government was in the process of issuing the first tender to engage international engineers who would determine whether the bridge should be demolished or repaired, and if so to plan the designs for the reconstruction work.

Following the adjudication of the tender, this stage was expected to last around 10 weeks. A second tender for the actual execution of the works needed would then be issued.

Other sources said it was very unlikely that the bridge would have to be demolished and in all probability reconstruction work would do the job.

The work would be expected to cost about €5 million and would include the assessment, design and execution of repairs, which would be carried out in phases. The work will be co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.