EMTH region responds on delayed Xanthi–Echinos bridge repairs

The Regional Administration of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMTH) has issued an official response to the inquiry made by the regional faction “Independent United Initiative” regarding delays in the restoration of the bridge located at the 8th kilometer of the Xanthi–Echinos provincial road.

According to the regional authority’s statement, a detailed engineering study was conducted to assess the structural integrity of the bridge. The study revealed issues related to the bridge’s load-bearing capacity, hydraulic clearance, and seismic performance. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to impose traffic restrictions with a weight limit, ensure the safety of the existing structure through targeted interventions, and construct a new bridge altogether.

As an immediate measure, one-lane traffic with a weight limit has already been enforced.

The EMTH Region has submitted a request to EGNATIA ODOS S.A. for the immediate tender and construction of the new bridge, as well as the development of the connecting junction serving the Stavroupoli and Echinos areas. They also requested access to the approved study so that the project can be financed through the EU’s ESPA funding program.

However, during the review of the studies, some missing documentation was identified, prompting the region to request additional materials from EGNATIA ODOS S.A. Meanwhile, repairs on the current bridge were carried out in 2023 based on the approved technical study.

EGNATIA ODOS S.A. has since confirmed that the studies are now complete and that the project is ready for tender.