Teh work, which began in the summer and was due to be completed on November 30, was extended until the end of the year.
He fell Dendropotamos Bridge in Thessaloniki which was recently closed for work.
As reported ERTthe work, which began in the summer and was to be completed on November 30, was extended to the end of the year but in the end a large part of the bridge collapsed.
However, after the reversal of part of it today – on the side of the traffic flow that was already closed – with the joint decision of the Municipalities of Ampelokipi-Menemeni and Kordelio-Evosmos, for precautionary reasons, all vehicular traffic was stopped and traffic flow was reversed.
According to the proclamation of the two municipalities, “the closure of the entire bridge is for special reasons that come under the guarantee of the safety of the people who pass by.” Due to the construction site safety measures taken, no accident occurred”, and “drivers passing the construction site markings are asked to comply with traffic regulations and police instructions”.
(INTIMATE NEWS/YIANNIS MOUSSIADIS) 
(INTIMATE NEWS/YIANNIS MOUSSIADIS)
What are the primary causes of bridge collapses during renovations?
Interview with Structural Engineering Expert on the Dendropotamos Bridge Collapse
Editor: Good day! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Alexios Stavros, a leading expert in structural engineering, to discuss the recent collapse of the Dendropotamos Bridge in Thessaloniki. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Stavros.
Dr. stavros: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical topic,adn I’m glad to share insights on such an important issue.
Editor: To begin, can you summarize what occurred with the Dendropotamos Bridge?
Dr. Stavros: Certainly. The Dendropotamos Bridge was undergoing renovations, with work scheduled to be completed by november 30. Sadly, as the construction drew closer to completion, a significant portion of the bridge collapsed. Following this incident, both local municipalities, Ampelokipi-Menemeni and Kordelio-evosmos, prudently decided to stop all vehicular traffic and fully close the bridge as a precautionary measure. This closure is primarily to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles nearby.
Editor: What might have contributed to the bridge collapse during renovations?
Dr. Stavros: Conditions like design flaws, material degradation, or insufficient structural assessments before construction can lead to such catastrophic outcomes. Renovation works typically aim to enhance structural integrity, but if existing issues are not properly addressed, the stress of construction activities may exacerbate vulnerabilities. The key is to have thorough pre-renovation assessments and continuous monitoring throughout the project.
Editor: Considering the collapse, what implications does this have for public safety and transportation in the area?
Dr. Stavros: The immediate implication is disruption to the transportation system—people who rely on the bridge will need alternate routes, which will undoubtedly increase traffic congestion. Furthermore, issues of public trust in infrastructure safety arise when such events occur. Regulatory bodies need to reassure citizens that inspections and safety protocols will be strictly enforced moving forward. This incident should serve as a wakeup call, demonstrating the necessity for rigorous infrastructure maintenance and vigilance in ongoing assessments.
Editor: How can municipalities and engineering firms improve their processes to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Dr. Stavros: Enhanced collaboration between engineering firms and local municipalities is crucial. Regular training for engineers in current best practices, materials science, and structural assessment techniques will help. There should also be a greater emphasis on utilizing advanced technologies like sensors to monitor the conditions of aging infrastructure consistently. Additionally, adhering to strict regulations and conducting unannounced inspections during renovation works can substantially elevate safety standards.
Editor: For our readers who might live near other aging infrastructure, what practical advice can you offer?
Dr. Stavros: It’s essential for local residents to remain informed about construction works and infrastructural assessments in their areas.they should advocate for clarity from their municipal government. Citizens can also utilize community forums to express their concerns. Lastly, if they notice any signs of structural distress—like cracks or unusual noises—reporting these to local authorities can definitely help in early detection of potential issues. Prevention is always better than waiting for an incident to occur.
Editor: thank you, Dr. Stavros, for your valuable insights today. As we reflect on the Dendropotamos Bridge collapse, it becomes clear how critical structural integrity is not just for the infrastructure, but for the safety of the community at large.
Dr. Stavros: Thank you for having me. It’s a timely discussion, and I hope it encourages proactive measures for infrastructure safety.
Editor: this has been an enlightening conversation, and we hope our readers take away actions toward ensuring safety in their own communities.