Ely (Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment) has determined five bridges in Huittinen as out of shape. There is already a weight limit on a few of the bridges.

The roads in Southwest Finland and Satakunta are old, and that reflects on the condition of the bridges. The Ely of Southwest Finland says that 20 percent of the out-of-shape bridges in the whole country are in Southwest Finland and Satakunta. A big part of the bridges in the area were built in 1960s or 1970s and need complete renovation.

The out of shape bridges are the Mommola crossing bridge, Sammu’s light traffic bridge, Ripo-oja's light traffic bridge, Pyölä’s bridge and Neeronoja’s bridge. A decision has already been made to renovate the Mommola and Pyölä bridges, says bridge engineer Ari Salo from the Ely of Southwest Finland.

Annually, 10-15 bridges are renovated or renewed with current funding. However, there are more and more bridges in poor condition so that the list of bridges in need of renovation becomes longer every year.

In addition, there are 940 bridges in reasonably good condition in Southwest Finland and in Satakunta, which is more than half of all bridges in the area. Their number is also increasing. In total, there are approximately 1,800 bridges in the area.

Even if the allocations remain the same, less can be repaired with the same money, when the costs rise. Yes, I am a little worried about this, says Salo.

Sometimes the structure of the bridge is so bad that it is not worth repairing or repairing would be more expensive than renewing it. In some cases, the implementation of the road project is expected and the bridge in poor condition is replaced in connection with the road project.

• bridges
• local news

Kommentoi