EVENING NEWS

Tests are carried out on the Ibri Bridge with heavily loaded trucks, the results within a few days

Four large trucks were placed on the Ibër river bridge on Thursday. Their movement over the bridge closed to traffic was used to test its stability. The tests carried out by the central authorities were said to be final before the opening of the bridge

Actions have entered a new phase in the direction of opening the bridge over the Ibër River for vehicle traffic. 

On Thursday, tests were carried out on its durability, placing heavily loaded trucks on it. 

While the equipment carried out the measurements with the instructions of the responsible persons, the trucks began to move slowly over the bridge: from south to north. 

The Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Hysen Durmishi, said that these tests are final. 

"These are the last tests... based on what I know and my experience as an engineer, this is the most stable bridge... if the report says it is not stable, we will continue with other actions," said Durmishi. 

Durmishi said that the results of the stability of the bridge will be known in a few days, but did not indicate when it is expected to open if everything is in order. 

"I don't know when the bridge will be opened, but I know that the bridge will be opened because there is no reason for it to be closed", said Durmishi. 

While the tests were being carried out on the bridge, the work on cleaning the spaces and painting the walls continued below it. 

The works were closely watched by the Minister of Local Government, Elbert Krasniqi, the mayor of North Mitrovica, Erden Atiq, as well as the advisor of Minister Xelal Sveçla, Jeta Tela. 

Stability tests and visual revitalization of the bridge are among the actions that the central authorities have warned they will undertake before opening it for vehicular traffic.

The international community has expressed against the opening of the bridge, without an agreement in the dialogue that is taking place in Brussels.