The urgent need for intervention regarding the concrete bridge leading to the Castle of Monemvasia has been highlighted by Kyriakos Velopoulos, the president of the Greek Solution party. This issue was brought to light in a recent publication, emphasizing the serious structural problems faced by the bridge due to its proximity to the sea.
In a formal inquiry directed at the relevant ministries of Culture and Interior, Velopoulos pointed out the critical state of the bridge, which measures 8.80 meters in length and serves as the sole access point to the historic castle. The bridge is reportedly suffering from significant structural deficiencies, primarily due to extensive corrosion of its reinforcements and the detachment of concrete from its beams and slab. These issues have severely compromised its load-bearing capacity, rendering it hazardous for vehicle passage, especially for heavier vehicles.
Despite the long-standing awareness of the bridge’s deteriorating condition, no remedial action has been taken thus far. This has prompted a call for immediate collaboration among stakeholders to either urgently reinforce the structure or consider its replacement.
In light of these concerns, the inquiry posed to the ministers seeks clarification on the immediate actions they plan to undertake to ensure the urgent structural reinforcement or safe future replacement of this historic bridge, while also guaranteeing uninterrupted access for both residents and visitors.
The situation surrounding the Monemvasia bridge is particularly pressing, as it is part of a protected archaeological site. The inquiry underscores the need for swift governmental action to preserve not only the bridge but also the cultural heritage it represents.
