The Ministry of maritime affairs, transport and infrastructure is considering linking the very south of Croatia to the rest of the country by the floating bridge as confirmed by the Minister, Mr Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, adding that has passed the proposal about the floating bridge he has received to Croatian Motorways Ltd to analyse. The Minister says that the idea of the floating bridge has plenty of issues to discuss and that the analysis will be turned back by the beginning of the next week.
The proposal on constructing the floating bridge between the mainland and Pelješac peninsula that would replace Pelješac Bridge has been put forward to the ministry by the American entrepreneur and the owner of The Adriatic Group, Mr James Chuck, and the Croatian architect, Ms Maja Bručić, the manager of Lotus Architecti.
According to their proposal, the construction of the floating bridge amounts to 36 million Euro, putting to use 22 million Euro that have already been spent in preparation of the construction of the bridge. The overall cost of the floating bridge amounts to less than 25% of the overall cost of Pelješac Bridge. The bridge would be 2.4 km long bearing the same position of Pelješac Bridge that was abandoned and would be paid off in 10 to 15 years. The bridge toll would be charged 3.00 Euro. The plans include 2 lanes and 90 pontoons that could be lifted in the middle so that the boats could pas underneath. The speed limit for vehicles would be 50 kmph.
The possibility of boats passing below the bridge caused problems in the project of Pelješac Bridge so that the plans had to increase the height of the bridge in its middle.
The possible source of finances for the floating bridge is the public-private partnership or the concession, says the American entrepreneur. If the idea of the floating bridge comes true, it will be the longest floating bridge in Europe and the second longest in the world. The longer one is the one in Seattle, 4.75 km long and in operation since 1963. James Chuck claims the floating bridge is a more cost effective solution that the construction of the bridge or the ferry line that was planned for Komarna to Brijesta.
