The Story of Louhunsalmi Bridge in Jyväskylä
Introduction:
In a recent development, the city of Jyväskylä has announced that the traffic on the Louhunsalmi Bridge will be restricted until the beginning of next year due to concerns about a rusted cable joint that may not have withstood the strain caused by a storm.
Traffic Restrictions:
- The city has decided to allow only one car at a time to cross the bridge, specifically for passenger and light vehicles. Heavy traffic and public transportation will not be permitted.
- Pedestrian access on the bridge has been prohibited for safety reasons, with provisions made for transporting pedestrians by car if necessary.
City’s Recommendations:
The city advises that the bridge should only be used for essential travel, and commuters are urged to allow extra time for crossing, especially during peak traffic hours in the morning and evening. Emergency vehicle access on the bridge will be ensured.
Bridge Damage and Repair:
One of the four additional support cables added to the bridge broke either during the early hours of Sunday or on Sunday morning. The city identified rust at the joint of the cable, raising suspicions about its ability to withstand storm-induced stress.
- While the original structure of the bridge seems intact with no immediate risk of collapse, there is a possibility of damage to other additional cables.
- The city has initiated investigations into repairing the bridge, a process that is expected to take weeks, leading to traffic restrictions until at least the beginning of next year.
Conclusion:
The Louhunsalmi Bridge in Jyväskylä faces temporary traffic restrictions as authorities work to address safety concerns following a cable break. Commuters are urged to exercise caution and plan their travel accordingly during this period.
FAQs
1. Why is pedestrian access restricted on the bridge?
For safety reasons, pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge due to the risk of falling cables in case of a break.
2. How long will the traffic restrictions be in place?
The restrictions are expected to last until the beginning of next year as repair works and investigations continue.