This summer, the Kaskader team completed the final works on the new Jablanca suspension bridge near Bovec, one of the longest suspension bridges in the Upper Soča Valley. The bridge is important for both local residents and visitors, as it replaces the old, deteriorated, and damaged footbridge that had been closed for safety reasons.

The circular route Bovec–Vodenca–Jablanca–Bovec is the most popular walking and cycling trail in the Bovec basin. Running through the western part of the valley, the route is now connected across the Soča River to the hamlet of Jablanca by the new bridge.

The old footbridge over the Soča River had been closed due to severe deterioration and damage in several sections. The replacement bridge was constructed by RAFAEL d.o.o. from Sevnica, selected through a public tender, while Kaskader participated as a subcontractor in the most demanding works, including tensioning of the steel cables and other final installation works.

Suspension bridge reconstruction

The works began in May with the removal of the existing suspension footbridge. The new bridge was only partially built on the foundations of the old one, as it had to be adapted to the unstable terrain.

The bridge follows the traditional style of the Trenta region. The walking surface is made of oak wood, the foundations are based on a conventional design, remaining on the right bank at the location of the former bridge, while the anchoring on the left bank was moved slightly upstream. The vertical foundation sides also serve as protection against torrential waters.

Bridge deck reconstruction

The steel cables have a diameter of 30 mm, and the bridge span is 60 metres, making it one of the longest suspension bridges in the Upper Soča Valley. Only the suspension bridges at Srpenica and Trnovo ob Soči are longer. Due to the elevation difference, access stairs were also constructed.

The final works on the new bridge were completed in August 2021, and from 24 November onwards, the bridge has been officially open to visitors.