Mala Rijeka Viaduct: An Engineering Marvel of the Balkans
The Mala Rijeka Viaduct is one of the most impressive engineering feats in the Balkans. Situated in the mountains of Montenegro, this awe-inspiring structure stands as a symbol of the region’s industrial history and engineering prowess. Spanning over 1,000 feet, the Mala Rijeka Viaduct was built in the late 19th century to connect the mountain villages of Montenegro with the coastal regions. Since then, the viaduct has become a popular tourist attraction, with locals and visitors alike marveling at its impressive size and engineering achievement.
History of the Mala Rijeka Viaduct
The Mala Rijeka Viaduct was first proposed in the late 19th century by the engineer Sava Kovacevic. Kovacevic had previously been involved in the construction of the Belgrade-Bar railway line, and he saw the potential in connecting the coastal towns of Montenegro with those in the mountains. After months of careful planning and engineering calculations, the viaduct was completed in 1885.
At the time of its construction, the Mala Rijeka Viaduct was an impressive feat of engineering. It was the longest bridge in the Balkans, measuring over 1,000 feet in length. It was also the first bridge to be built using steel arches, a technique that was still relatively new at the time. The viaduct was a major achievement for Kovacevic and the engineers who worked on its construction.
The Structure and Design of the Mala Rijeka Viaduct
The Mala Rijeka Viaduct is an impressive structure, standing at a height of over 200 feet. It is made up of four steel arches, each measuring over 250 feet in length. The arches were held together with metal bolts, with the whole structure resting on a series of concrete foundations.
The viaduct is a testament to the engineering skill of its creators. The arches are designed to allow for both the passage of trains and the circulation of air. This was a major achievement at the time, as it meant that the structure could not only handle the weight of the trains, but also the wind.
The Mala Rijeka Viaduct Today
Today, the Mala Rijeka Viaduct is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at this impressive structure. The viaduct is also a symbol of Montenegro’s industrial history, and it stands as a reminder of the country’s engineering prowess.
The viaduct is still used today, with regular train services crossing the structure. It is also open to pedestrians, who can walk along the length of the viaduct and take in the impressive views of the surrounding mountains.
Conclusion
The Mala Rijeka Viaduct is one of the most impressive engineering feats in the Balkans. It stands as a testament to the skill and ingenuity of its creators, and it is a reminder of the region’s industrial history. Today, the viaduct is a popular tourist attraction, and it is still used by trains crossing the mountain region of Montenegro.