The new, 110-meter-long bridge over the Savinja River is a significant step in reducing the risk of flooding in Celje. The bridge will improve local hydraulics during high stages of the Savinja River, while improving transport infrastructure and connectivity within the local community. The bridge project was prepared by Ponting Bridges. The new bridge at Polule will span the Savinja River with a large main steel span without supports in the riverbed and with two end inundation spans that extend into the roundabout on the right bank and the curve of the road on the left bank. The main span, which is 65 meters long, is designed as a steel ortho-composite structure with a steel arch, while the end inundation spans, each 22.5 meters long, are designed as concrete integral frame structures.
The selected design of the bridge with a central arch allows for a relatively thin structure, adapts to the demanding road geometry and was assessed by the client as the optimal design variant of the bridge.
The 18.4 meters wide bridge will have two lanes, separated by an arch, and a separate area for safe crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge will replace the existing, dilapidated bridge, which has two intermediate supports in the riverbed and was damaged in the floods of 2023. The new bridge will be 2.7 meters higher than the existing bridge.
The construction contract was signed at the end of 2024. The selected contractor, VOC Celje, will begin construction at the beginning of 2025. The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-2026. The investor of the investment is the Slovenian Water Agency (DRSV), and the project is financed from the funds of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Project details:
Bridge over Savinja River at Polule near Celje
