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Old Sava Bridge – Removal of Superstructure Elements, Belgrade

The dismantling of the Old Sava Bridge in Belgrade began with the phased removal of the bridge superstructure elements, preceding the later lifting of the arch span. During the works, three large-scale bridge sections had to be removed by floating crane operations carried out in multiple stages.

The first phase involved the removal of the left-bank outer span. The approximately 112-ton steel structure was lifted from its position by the Clark Ádám floating crane. More than twenty specialists worked in close coordination during the operation, with vessel crews, rope access technicians, and engineers ensuring the precise execution of the lift.

In the next phase, the second bridge section on the left bank was removed. With a weight of approximately 135 tons, this operation represented the largest lifting task of the project up to that point. Alongside the Clark Ádám floating crane, the entire marine fleet participated in the operation: the Botond push boat, TS80 barges, and support vessels continuously maintained the required positioning throughout the process. The rigging of the structure was carried out using rope access techniques.

The third stage consisted of removing the outer span on the right bank, a structure similar in size and weight to the previous element, also approximately 135 tons. Following each lifting operation, the bridge sections were individually placed onto TS80 barges, where they were cut into smaller segments before being lifted ashore by floating crane.

All operations were executed in multiple stages under continuous coordination. The successful and safe dismantling of the structures within the planned schedule was made possible through the close integration of floating crane operations, marine logistics, and rope access activities.