After nearly a century of service and witnessing historical events, including the 1957 flood and the October 2024 DANA, Paiporta's Pont Vell will be demolished. The municipal decision is based on the construction of a new structure better suited to current hydraulic and safety needs, especially after the damage caused by the DANA nearly two years ago.
Deputy Mayor and Reconstruction Councilor, Marian Val, explained that the demolition is a technical and responsibility matter, supported by reports from the Ministry of Transport. These reports indicate severe, widespread deterioration of the infrastructure, including cracks, concrete spalling, and rebar corrosion, as well as damage to the roadway, sidewalks, and railings. A comprehensive rehabilitation would not guarantee the necessary functionality and safety, leading to the decision for a complete replacement.
The new structure will increase the hydraulic capacity of the Barranco del Poyo by 45%, reducing water flow obstructions and featuring fewer piers in the channel. The deck will be a composite of steel and concrete, with new piers designed geometrically to facilitate flow. The bridge's width will also slightly increase, from approximately 7.5 to 8.5 meters.
Despite the demolition, the Paiporta City Council has assured that heritage and identity elements of the Pont Vell, such as historical coats of arms, will be preserved to maintain the memory of the structure that has been part of the municipality's contemporary history.
“"The reports indicate that the only safe solution is to demolish it. It is a matter of technicality, safety, and responsibility."
