Gosálbez (vox) Reopens the Interior Bridge of the Gola De Pujol in the Albufera

The Inner Bridge of Gola de Pujol, a key infrastructure for connecting the natural environment of l'Albufera, has reopened today for pedestrian and emergency vehicle access after a comprehensive rehabilitation. The intervention has improved accessibility, reinforced safety and ensured greater integration with the natural environment.

The Councilor of Devesa-Albufera, José Gosálbez, visited the result of the work and highlighted that it is an intervention "key for Devesa, which is moving steadily toward a real balance between protecting the natural environment and ensuring the safety of residents."

A Necessary Work for Safety and Accessibility

The need for this intervention arose after a technical inspection by the Devesa-Albufera Service, which detected structural damage to the bridge: spalling in the concrete deck, rust on the railing anchor bolts and an uneven pavement. These issues compromised both safety and accessibility.

To address these deficiencies, a complete renovation of the bridge deck was carried out, which now has a length of 181 ft. 2 in. (55.25 meters) and a width of 13 ft. 3 in. (4.03 meters). The new structure, composed of prefabricated beams and a concrete slab, incorporates expansion joints to improve its stability. Additionally, it has been designed with criteria that favor the passage of local wildlife, reducing the barrier effect and creating a semi-opaque corridor that minimizes the perception of risk for animals.

"The work not only improves accessibility for the public and emergency vehicles but also solves the visual barrier that affected the passage of wildlife," Gosálbez noted. "We know what the needs are, we have clear objectives and we are meeting them without deviating even a millimeter."

Environmental Integration and Execution of the Work

To ensure the landscape integration of the bridge, recycled plastic cladding with a wood finish was used and the concrete was pigmented in a brown tone, achieving greater harmony with the environment. Additionally, the drainage system has been optimized with pipes embedded in the side walls.

The works were awarded on July 12, 2024, to the company Pavasal for an amount of 454,519.56 euros (including VAT). The work began on October 3 with an estimated execution period of three and a half months, although the DANA on October 29 forced a temporary interruption of the intervention. Finally, on February 20, the completed work was received and, after the corresponding inspection, its reopening was authorized.

A Commitment to Efficiency and Planning

The councilor expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the work and recalled that in October 2024 the adaptation of the Gola de Pujol walkway was also completed, a historic demand of the El Saler neighborhood.

"The Devesa-Albufera service has managed resources efficiently, allowing both works to be executed quickly and with suitable materials," he stated. "This is the line of work we are promoting: planning, efficient management and visible results."

Gosálbez emphasized that the new environmental policy of the municipal government is based on concrete facts: "safe infrastructures, real environmental integration and a clear roadmap: order, preservation and safety."

"The management of La Devesa is advancing steadily. Our goal is clear: to put this natural paradise in order and ensure that residents live with the peace of mind they deserve," he concluded.