An Incredibly Large and Impressive Bridge
With a total length of 1,974.30 meters, this suspended road bridge impresses with its massive dimensions. The central span measures 1,120 meters, flanked by two side spans of 489.65 and 364.65 meters. This structure is truly a colossus over the Danube, with a vertical clearance of 38 meters above the maximum flood level, making it suitable for river navigation.
The suspension system is a masterpiece in itself, consisting of a main cable and vertical hangers connecting the deck to the cable. The anchoring blocks are integrated into the ground and located outside the Danube embankments. The total width of the bridge is 31.7 meters, providing ample space for road and pedestrian traffic. The roadway is 22 meters wide and includes 4 traffic lanes of 3.5 meters each, 4 marginal lanes of 0.5 meters each, two shoulders of 1.5 meters, and a median strip of 3 meters. On both sides of the bridge, there are two additional lanes for pedestrians, cyclists, and maintenance, with sidewalks measuring 2.80 meters each.
A Long and Complex Story of Development
The story of this impressive bridge began in the 1980s, when three possible construction sites were analyzed. The idea did not materialize until 1996, when a pre-feasibility study was conducted based on earlier proposals.
The first feasibility study was developed in 2001 under the name “Construction of a Bridge over the Danube in the Brăila Area,” in collaboration with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and IPTANA Bucharest, aiming to secure a loan from the Japanese government. Another feasibility study followed in 2003, developed by IPTANA, and was eventually approved in 2017 by CNAIR and the Romanian Ministry of Transport.
The Brăila Bridge was included in the General Transport Master Plan as part of the Buzău – Brăila – Tulcea – Constanța express road, with implementation planned between 2020 and 2030. After its completion, the bridge became the last crossing point over the Danube before the river flows into the Black Sea.
Construction and Execution
Following a rigorous tender process, the contract for the design and construction of the bridge was awarded to a consortium formed by Webuild (Italy) and IHI Infrastructure Systems Co., Ltd. (Japan). The contract was signed in January 2018 and included 12 months for design and 36 months for execution, along with a 120-year warranty.
The construction works were a true demonstration of engineering and ingenuity. During the erection of the pylons, teams progressed nearly 2 meters per day, with continuous pouring operations running 24/7. The two towers of the bridge reach an impressive height of 192.64 meters, making them the tallest structures in Romania.
The operation of installing the massive steel cables that support the bridge deck was also remarkable. With approximately 81,000 kilometers of steel wire—enough to circle the Earth twice—these cables form two main cables, each about 2 kilometers long. The total weight of the cables exceeds 6,700 tons.
The steel required for the construction of the bridge deck was supplied by Liberty Galați, while the metal segments were built at the Vard Shipyard in Brăila. Each segment of the metal deck weighs on average 250 tons, with a total of 86 segments amounting to over 20,800 tons.
The “Golden Gate” Bridge over the Danube – Early Technical Issues
Although the “Golden Gate” bridge project over the Danube in Romania was welcomed with enthusiasm and seen as a major tourist attraction, early signs of wear and infrastructure issues appeared shortly after its opening. Footage recorded by a dissatisfied driver showed that the asphalt began to deteriorate quickly, and it was later discovered that approximately 0.4% of the 100,000 bolts of the safety barrier had issues.
Uneven surfaces were also observed at the bridge entrance, highlighting a concerning situation that requires urgent intervention. The problems were largely caused by failure to comply with weight restrictions, especially during periods of high temperatures. Excessive vehicle weight led to asphalt deformation and surface irregularities.
Authorities have promised to take measures to fix these issues and enforce stricter traffic regulations on the bridge.
The “Golden Gate” bridge over the Danube remains a jewel of Romanian infrastructure and a remarkable tourist destination, contributing to regional development and improving access to the Danube Delta and Northern Dobrogea. It is essential that this impressive construction is properly maintained to serve both Romanian citizens and tourists for many years to come.