Reconstruction completed on Shtip's highest bridge over the Bregalnica River

The longest and tallest bridge over the Bregalnica River in Shtip has reopened after a full reconstruction carried out as part of the municipality's programme to renovate all bridges over the Bregalnica and Otinja rivers.

Technical works and funding

The works cost exactly 480.000 euros and were financed by the Public Enterprise for State Roads. The project included a complete overhaul of the main supporting pillars and the bridge's superstructure.

Contractors also installed iron and additional structural elements designed to reduce vibrations, a measure deemed necessary because the bridge is the busiest crossing in the town and handles several thousand vehicles daily, including heavy trucks.

The reconstruction was completed several months ahead of the contracted deadline. During the final month of the works the bridge was completely closed to traffic while crews finished the remaining tasks.

The restored crossing was originally built 70 years ago. About 200 metres from the reopened structure, restoration has already begun on the oldest bridge over the Bregalnica — the so‑called Stone Bridge, dated to 1672 and known as the Emir Ćučuk‑Sultanov bridge, which for centuries served as the sole link between the two sides of the town.

Municipal authorities say the programme will continue with further interventions on other river crossings in Shtip.

Photo: SDK.MK)