Greek Drivers Risk Lives on Crumbling Bridge Due to Time Constraints

Drivers in Greece's Larissa region are opting to use a storm-damaged bridge, known as the Palaiopyrgos Bridge, over a more time-consuming detour, local reports indicate. The bridge, which spans the Pineios River and connects the villages of Palaiopyrgos and Alexandrini, has been buckling for approximately three years following damage sustained from Storm Daniel.

The concrete structure has eroded due to flood effects and remains in use despite being technically out of service. Motorists cite the lengthy detour, which can add up to 19 miles to their journey, as the primary reason for continuing to use the unstable bridge. This route is particularly essential for farmers needing to access their fields across the river.

Locals have expressed their unease with the situation. "What should we do? Should we go all the way around?" one resident told Skai. "Where should we go? Nothing can be done. We play with death every day."

Officials are raising concerns about the potential for further disaster. Yiannis Beritzas, president of the Paleopyrgos village, noted that the bridge's condition isolates direct routes to Kissavos, necessitating the long detour. Lawmaker Velopoulos Kyriakos has warned the infrastructure and transport minister that a failure of the bridge during another significant storm, similar to Storm Daniel, could lead to the village being flooded. He stated that the bridge could act as a dam, preventing river water from flowing to the sea and causing it to overflow its banks.

Storm Daniel, which struck Greece in September 2023, caused widespread damage, with some villages receiving approximately 750 millimeters of rain in a single day. The storm resulted in an estimated $2.14 billion in damages and claimed the lives of 17 people across the country.

While plans for a new, upgraded bridge have reportedly been approved, construction has not yet commenced. Thanos Hatzizogidis, president of the Paleopyrgos Agricultural Cooperative, cautioned that "All traffic is at risk. Let's not find ourselves running behind the events again."