Badalona's iconic Pont del Petroli, which Storm Gloria damaged in 2020, will finally undergo repairs starting in late May, Mayor Xavier García Albiol announced. The project aims for completion by October or November this year, restoring a beloved public space.
Mayor Albiol shared his satisfaction on social media. He stated, "Very happy to announce that, after 6 years of waiting, the repair of the Pont del Petroli, one of Badalona's main symbols, begins at the end of May." He reaffirmed his commitment to the bridge's restoration during his mayoral term, fulfilling a key promise to local residents.
Long-Awaited Restoration Begins
The Pont del Petroli, a former oil pier extending into the Mediterranean Sea, suffered extensive damage during Storm Gloria. This severe weather event battered the Catalan coast in January 2020, causing significant structural harm to the bridge, according to Badalona City Council. The storm rendered parts of the popular promenade inaccessible for over four years, impacting local leisure activities.
The bridge holds deep symbolic value for Badalona, a city in the Barcelona metropolitan area home to over 220,000 residents. Its reopening will restore a cherished public space, widely used for strolls and as a unique viewing point. The prolonged delay in repairs has been a consistent point of local concern and public discussion.
Impact on Badalona Residents
The upcoming repairs mark a crucial step in revitalising Badalona's seafront. The Pont del Petroli serves as an architectural feature and a hub for community life and a popular spot for divers. Its return to full functionality will benefit both residents and visitors, enhancing the city's coastal appeal.
With work commencing in late May, officials expect to fully repair the Pont del Petroli and make it accessible to the public by late autumn. Mayor Albiol expressed confidence in meeting this timeline, stating, "Very soon it will be a reality. Commitments are being fulfilled!" This completion will conclude a long period of anticipation for the city.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
