Residents of the Podgorica settlement of Rogami warn that heavy trucks of the company Fidija, crossing the bridge over the Širalija river near Duklja, threaten its stability and public safety. They say vehicles of about 25 tonnes pass every day over a bridge they claim is intended for vehicles of up to five tonnes, and they fear the structure could collapse and cut the road link between Rogami and part of Đurkovići in Piperi.
In a letter to the newsroom, residents said constant truck crossings are speeding the weakening of the structure and threaten its complete collapse. They also say there is no sign at the approach limiting the bridge’s load or permitted vehicle mass, and they want vehicles heavier than five tonnes banned.
Fidija rejects claims that it is breaking the rules. The company told Vijesti that the stated vehicle weight is not the result of any official measurement and cannot be confirmed. It said material is carried as part of regular work, in line with regulations and limits, on existing roads including the Širalija bridge. According to the company, there is no traffic sign at the approach restricting load capacity or permitted mass.
Residents say they contacted the Administration for Inspection Affairs on 13 October and, the next day, the Capital City Transport Secretariat, seeking an urgent response. They say the letter to the Secretariat went by registered post, with attachments they say document their claims. They also say a phone call to the Communal Police brought the reply that the service is not competent, and that a communal inspector visited the site but did not find Fidija trucks during the check.
The company said that, to date, neither the traffic nor the communal inspection has objected to its activities or taken measures over its vehicles using the bridge. It said it understands residents’ concern and will follow every order from the competent authorities. If any damage to the bridge were found to have resulted from its activities, Fidija said it would repair that damage at its own expense.
Residents asked the authorities to inspect the bridge without delay and to stop vehicles they believe exceed its capacity, so as to avoid danger to people and traffic.
Vijesti asked the Capital City Transport Secretariat for the bridge’s official load rating, whether trucks of about 25 tonnes can cross safely, what became of the residents’ report, and whether an urgent structural check, a heavy-vehicle ban and new signs would be ordered if there is a risk. The Secretariat did not reply.
The Ministry of Transport told Vijesti that no request, report or appeal about the Rogami allegations had reached it. The ministry said the bridge is on a local road under the Capital City of Podgorica, and that management, maintenance and safety of local roads and structures, including bridges, belong to local self-government. It said checks on traffic, axle load, permitted vehicle mass and compliance with traffic rules are carried out by the Police Administration and the competent inspection of the Capital City.