The process of connecting the two parts of a new railway bridge over the Danube River in Novi Sad has started.
The shorter of New Zezelj Bridge’s two arches is currently being moved into position – this work started on August 30, and will last three to five days.
This arch is 177 meters long, while the second, 219-meter one, will be installed next.
The bridge is planned to be completed on November 21, when pedestrians will be able to use it.
The new bridge is visually a replica of the old one, designed by architect Branko Zezelj and built in 1961 – but the two elegant arches are now made of steel, instead of concrete.
The old bridge, a Novi Sad landmark, was destroyed by NATO in April 1999, during the Western military alliance’s 78-day bombing of Serbia.
The construction of the new bridge – an investment worth some EUR 50 million – is financed by the EU, the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and the City of Novi Sad.
EU Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn recently visited the construction site to say that the completion of the Zezelj Bridge was “in EU’s interest as it represented the key point that connects two shores of the Danube, the artery of Europe.”
