Danube's cross-embankment bridge completes constriction

At the cross-embankment bridge of the Novi Sad-Ruma expressway in Serbia, Zhang Honggang, the on-site technical director of China Communications Construction Co (CCCC)'s Novi Sad-Ruma Project Department, worked with his team. This 45.2-kilometer expressway connects the E75 and E70 highways, belonging to the IB-21 national road in Serbia, and is a significant project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The cross-embankment bridge forms part of the approach to the Danube River bridges and plays a vital role in the operation of the entire line. The original plan of the project team was to use a combination of the cast-in-place brackets method and the cantilever construction method. However, extreme winter weather in 2024 increased the risks associated with the former method. With less than 50 days to the planned closure, the project team decided to apply only the cast-in-place brackets method to mitigate risks and shorten the construction period.

This adjustment required a comprehensive restructuring of design, processes, materials, and training. The cantilever team worked overnight to create new platforms, the measurement team monitored the alignment of the beam segment, and the materials department ensured a 24-hour supply of materials. Zhang supervised the site to ensure smooth progress.

The cross-embankment bridge was completed on Dec 26, 20 days ahead of schedule. It reduced costs and set a "China speed" record for winter bridge construction in Eastern Europe, providing new power for local economic development.