Preface
China has built a 2.4-kilometer-long bridge in Croatia that connects Croatia mainland with the Pelješac Peninsula. This project is not simple, because the Pelješac peninsula was previously disconnected from the Croatian mainland, and if people want to go to the peninsula, they either take a boat detour or pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is very troublesome. Now, after the bridge is completed, you can drive directly for a few minutes, which is very convenient.
The background of the bridge
The Pelješac Peninsula may seem like a part of Croatia on the map, but in reality, it was not easy to get to the peninsula from Croatia proper. Because the peninsula and the mainland are separated by a sea of water, there is no direct land connection, which directly makes the peninsula and the mainland seem to be two worlds. You think, it's convenient to go out and buy groceries, but if you want to go to the mainland, you may have to go around in a big circle, or take a boat to get sun, how inconvenient it is.
Not only that, but historically, after the breakup of Yugoslavia, the situation became more complicated. Traffic between Croatia and the peninsula passes through the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's like taking a big road from your house to the city center, but now you have to go around to the suburbs and come back. This geographical and double isolation has greatly reduced the contact between the residents of the Peljesac Peninsula and the outside world, and has also affected the local economy and development.
Obstacles encountered in repairing the bridge
Bosnia and Herzegovina are a little worried, they are afraid that the construction of this bridge will affect the freedom of navigation in the port of Nem, their only outlet to the sea. The port of Nem is very important to Bosnia and Herzegovina as it is their main sea route to the outside world. Therefore, the Bosnia and Herzegovina side was cautious about the construction of the bridge, and even refused Croatia's request to repair the bridge at one point. As a result, a series of negotiations and coordination were launched between the two countries for the construction of the bridge.
What is involved is not only the transportation issue of the two countries, but also the issue of international and regional security. Croatia needs to assure Bosnia and Herzegovina that the construction of the bridge will not jeopardize the freedom of navigation in the port of Nem, and that the construction of the bridge complies with international law and the requirements of regional security. After several rounds of negotiations, the two countries finally reached an agreement and Croatia was able to begin construction work on the bridge.
The construction of the bridge was also a major technical challenge. Because of the special geographical location and the need to build a bridge on the sea, the technical requirements are very high. Coupled with the EU's strict environmental standards, the engineering team had to ensure that the environmental impact of the construction process was minimized. This requires the use of advanced technologies and materials to ensure that the construction of the bridge is completed without damaging the natural environment. The engineering technology and environmental protection measures involved in this were a major innovation in bridge construction at that time.
A bridge between Croatia and Chinese companies
In the early stages of planning for the construction of the bridge, Croatia hoped to find a suitable partner within the European Union. However, perhaps due to high technical requirements, or cost and time considerations, they did not find the right company within the EU. As a result, Croatia set its sights on a broader international market and finally chose a Chinese company to build this important bridge.
One of the reasons for choosing Chinese companies is that they have extensive experience in undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects around the world. They are not only technologically advanced, but also have unique achievements in project management and efficiency. This is very important for a country like Croatia that needs to complete high-quality works within a specific time frame.
The bridge enhances local connectivity
The completion of the bridge is really good news for the residents of the Peljesac Peninsula. In the past, people who wanted to go to the other side of the peninsula had to either make a big circle or take a boat. After the bridge was built, what would have taken several hours can now be completed in minutes. This not only greatly facilitates the daily travel of local residents, but also smoothens activities that rely on expressways, such as emergency medical services and commercial transportation.
The construction of this bridge has not only changed the way people travel, but also has an impact on the local economy. Business activities have been enlivened by the ease of transportation, and tourism has also been developed by this striking new landmark. More tourists are attracted by the spectacular bridge, and they come here to spend money, which has led to the growth of local hotels, restaurants and retail.
epilogue
Through such international cooperation projects, the Peljesac Bridge has become a bridge between the cultures and economies of the two countries, which not only deepens the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, but also sets an example for more international cooperation projects. Today, the bridge is not only an important transportation hub within the region, but also a landmark that attracts countless tourists and has become a new tourist hotspot that further boosts the local tourism industry.
What are your thoughts on this?
Feel free to share your views in the comments section