“IDF Radio" (Galei Zahal) reports that serious cracks have been discovered in the welding on base sections of the "Bridge of Strings" under construction at the western entrance of Jerusalem. The cracks cannot cause an immediate collapse of the bridge, but they will delay its opening, scheduled for May, and will greatly increase its cost.
The cracks were discovered during special tests conducted in recent weeks. The test results were sent to the Italian steelmaker, which is due to respond shortly.
A project engineer, who declined to give his name, told “IDF Radio", "A crack, even a very small one, can result in catastrophe. This is a very scary and serious flaw that could have resulted in a disaster on the scale of the Maccabiah bridge collapse." Another engineer said, "This is a flaw that no one can handle."
The "Bridge of Strings", designed by Santiago Calatrava, is intended for the Jerusalem light railway, and will have glass pedestrian walkways along either side of the tracks. The bridge's opening has already been postponed by one year because of various planning and coordination problems.
The cost of the bridge has spiraled from NIS 200 million to NIS 300 million, and the Jerusalem municipality has already approached a donor to finance the overrun. The chief contractor is Koor Metals Ltd.
Koor Metals CEO David Gozlan told “IDF Radio" radio show "Ma Bo'er" (What's Burning) hosted by Razi Barkai that flaws had been discovered in the bridge, and parts had been sent to a laboratory in Italy for testing. "The flaws were found in a few meters. It's impossible to know with certainty if these flaws are cracks. Sometimes, it's not necessary to make a repair, and we're talking about the strictest standard."
Moriah - Jerusalem Development Corporation Ltd., which is responsible for the construction of the bridge, said that all the parties involved in building the bridge were required to comply with the strictest safety standards. "That's what we're doing now, until the bridge is completed and opened as planned next May," said the company. Moriah stressed that the bridge would open on schedule and that its cost would not change.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on March 31, 2008
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