167 reinforced concrete panels have been produced so far for the repair of the Danube Bridge at Ruse

A total of 167 reinforced concrete panels, each measuring 2.48 m by 4.40 m and weighing 5.6 tonnes, have been produced since the start of the major renovation of the Danube Bridge at Ruse. The finished panels have a total weight of over 935 tonnes, which is the combined weight of nearly 500 cars. Thirteen road panels in the right-hand lane were removed between September 25th and October 1st bringing the total to 125, and 11 new panels were installed, or 110 in total until now. Work is carried out on a stretch of road which is over 400 meters in length and building and construction works are being carried out according to the approved schedule.

Reinforcement is installed and connecting dowel bolts are welded in order for the connection between the new road slab and the main steel beams to be achieved. Each connection is secured with concrete. This provides an increase in the load-bearing capacity of the road structure as well as improves its resistance to the vibrations anticipated from heavy road traffic.

Once the replacement of the road panels in the section is complete, installation of the reinforcement for the pavement block and guardrail posts will begin in a section totaling 172 meters in length. At the same time, work is being carried out to prepare the road slab for the laying of waterproofing A three-layer anti-corrosion protection will be applied to all steel elements. The total length of the section with replaced anti-corrosion protection since the beginning of the bridge repair is 172 meters.

Over the next week, the schedule of activities provides for the construction and installation of new reinforced concrete panels, and the installation of dowel bolts to connect the panels to the main steel beams. Construction work continues without any disruption of traffic and the facility will not be shut down. The site is being worked on daily, 10-12 hours per day, during daylight hours. The work process is organized and carried out in such a way that vehicles pass in stages in a reversible manner in the lane which is not under construction.

Up-to-date information on the repair works can be found in the special section " Information on the Danube Bridge repair " on the website of the Road Infrastructure Agency. The Agency team provides regular updates on facility repairs and is available for further questions and clarifications.