'All bridges must now be examined'

In a series of unfortunate events, multiple bridges in Azerbaijan have faced significant challenges in the past week, raising concerns about the state of the  infrastructure. On September 15, a portion of an automobile bridge, which had been in service since 1974, collapsed in the city of Khachmaz. The collapse resulted in injuries to three individuals, underlining the urgency of addressing infrastructure issues.

Subsequently, on September 18, further troubles emerged as heavy rainfall led to flooding in the Astara and Zagatala districts, severely damaging two bridges in the former and one in the latter. These incidents have shed light on the vulnerability of the nation's bridges to natural disasters and the need for immediate action to ensure public safety.

It is worth noting that the Azerbaijani government has periodically allocated funds from the state budget for bridge construction and repairs. In 2022, official records indicate that four bridges were repaired on public roads throughout the Republic. The state agency of Azerbaijan Highways (AAYDA) has emphasized that the maintenance and repair of automobile bridges in the country adhere to international standards.

Addressing the recent bridge-related incidents, AAYDA officials stated to Turan that such events, including those caused by floods, are not uncommon and occur annually, not only in Azerbaijan but also in other nations. Nevertheless, the timing of these incidents highlights the urgency of a thorough examination of the nation's bridge infrastructure.

Elmaddin Muradeli, a transport expert, in an interview with Radio Azadlig expressed concern about the practice of maintaining road infrastructure in the country. He pointed out that despite roads being designed with a 30-year service life, they often deteriorate significantly within just a few years. For example, the Baku-Guba road was constructed, but it deteriorated after only three years, necessitating costly repairs within a decade. Muradli suggested that similar issues may be affecting bridge structures.

Muradli urged relevant authorities to take a meticulous approach to address this issue, emphasizing the need for immediate inspections of all bridges, especially those in rural regions that may have been in operation for several decades. He stressed that preventative action is essential to avoid potential tragedies and costly reconstruction efforts.

Furthermore, Muradli proposed the establishment of a hotline where local residents could report bridge-related concerns to authorities. This approach would tap into local knowledge and ensure that issues are addressed promptly, reducing the risk of accidents and structural failures.

While natural disasters can play a significant role in bridge failures, Muradli emphasized that regular inspections and timely maintenance are essential to mitigate such risks. The recent incidents serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the nation's infrastructure and public safety.