On April 12, the El Alambrado bridge located on the Armenia – Pereira – Manizales road, in the La Paila – Calarcá section, over the La Vieja river, sand fell unexpectedly taking the lives of two policemen who were traveling through it and left another 15 people injured. In this regard, the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) opened preliminary investigation to find those possibly responsible for this calamity.
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“The Comptroller’s Office announces that it will continue to closely follow the development and prompt solution of this unfortunate event, including reviewing the relevance of opening a preliminary investigation regarding the repowering and structural pathology actions carried out on the bridge by the Autopistas del Café Concessionaire, under the supervision of the Inspectorate and the ANI”, said the control entity.
It is worth remembering that on March 6, the Concessionaire, through third parties, carried out the ‘pathology’ study to review the structure of the bridge, however, did not find faults that generated affectations important in its operation and capacity.
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“Judging by what happened, unfortunately it did not throw any alarm or recommendation that could have helped to avoid this unfortunate tragedy,” said the Comptroller.
On the other hand, the CGR urges the Ministry of Transportation, the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) and the Concessionaire Autopistas del Café to promptly manage everything necessary and sufficient, to duly care for the relatives of the fatal victims and the injured persons, as well as the prompt restoration of vehicular traffic through this site, with the proper safety and operational conditions.
“Additionally, the CGR reminds the Ministry of Transportation, the ANI, the National Institute of Roads (Invías), and the Concessionaires and Controllers, who are directly responsible for ensuring due compliance with the Colombian Bridge Design Standard 2014 ( CCP14) and the adequate operation of the Colombian Bridge Administration System (Sipucol)”, stresses the CGR.
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This bridge was part of a concession road since 2006 (which had to do its respective maintenance), but the bridge was built in 1968.
Dissatisfaction with alternative routes
Because the alternative routes suggested by the Government present a higher mileage, especially Cartago – Zarzalthe Fedetrascarga union requested that the I do not pay tolls for this routesince transporters would have to assume two more tolls and they will spend two more hours traveling.
“This is more fuel cost and more time. We would be very grateful to the Government to evaluate this possibility of non-payment in these two tolls, so that this affectation that is taking place is not as serious as we are beginning to see it”said Henry Cárdenas, president of the union.
PAULA GALEANO BALAGUERA
Portfolio Journalist
