CERVENIK, December 20, (WEBNOVINY) — Slovakia’s Transport Minister Jan Figel (KDH) opened a project of modernizing bridges on first-category roads in Cervenik near Hlohovec on Tuesday. The reconstruction of 45 bridges all over Slovakia is part of an extensive program of reconstruction of first-category roads within which over 100 kilometers have been completely renewed this year. Next year’s plan is 570 kilometers. Zilina and Presov counties will be the lucky ones with the highest number of reconstructed bridges.
“Bridges have not been reconstructed for years due to shortage of sources or because priority was given to dual carriageways and highways. Investments in road sections, including bridges, mean lower number of traffic accidents, faster transport, less damage and more saved lives,’ said Figel. According to him, investments of this kind are a way out of the crisis since they help improve the economy and the social situation as well.
In the first phase sixteen bridges will be reconstructed. The Slovak Road Administration has already signed contracts with Strabag, Doprastav and Alpine Slovakia. The expected value of the contract was EUR 11.2 million but the wining bid was EUR 6.1 million, which is some 45 percent less than the estimate. The tender for the second phase of the bridge reconstruction is to be completed in the coming days. This phase concerns 29 bridges. The reconstruction will be co-financed from EU structural funds when 85 percent of the expected EUR 28 million cost will be refunded by the European Union while the Slovak Road Administration will cover the rest.
SITA