Gromadka authorities learned on October 5, one month before the work began, that the bridge was scheduled to be closed in connection with the modernization of the A-18 motorway section. “We were presented with a fait accompli,” says Dariusz Pawliszczy, head of the municipality.
A Bridge of Discord
The bridge between Kraśnik and Krzyżowa must be dismantled and modernized—that is required by EU standards. The problem is that residents of Gromadka now have to take a longer route to reach Bolesławiec. The detour via Tomaszów Bolesławiecki means travelling a route that is 14 km longer. Those who work in Bolesławiec will feel this most acutely. Commuting costs will rise and the journey will take considerably longer.
Because of the difficulties reaching the school, the management of the Primary School in Gromadka was forced to postpone the start of classes by 15 minutes. Residents of Tomaszów Bolesławiecki have also felt the effects of the modernization work, as traffic there has increased dramatically. Parents are now worried that nothing bad will happen to their children. Residents of Gromadka share similar concerns. If a serious accident occurred there, an ambulance from Bolesławiec might not arrive in time.
There Is a Solution
Dariusz Pawliszczy points to a way out of the deadlock. It would be enough to open another viaduct, located a few hundred metres from the one intended for demolition. This would reduce the detour from 14 kilometres to approximately 600 m. However, the ground on the second bridge would first have to be reinforced. Perhaps the current contractor carrying out the A-18 modernization will handle this. For now, however, no binding decisions have been made on the matter.
(GA information)