Deba Bridge

Project Leader: Francisco Javier León González

Notes: Once stability was ensured, work began on the detailed rehabilitation design, which required historical research and interdisciplinary technical cooperation. After considering different alternatives, engineers decided to underpin the collapsed central pier, carefully dismantle the damaged vaults, and rebuild them to their original geometry while reusing as much of the original stone as possible. Out of the 1,400 ashlars used in the reconstruction, 1,250 were recovered from the damaged bridge. To educate society about the value of heritage structures in general and masonry bridges in particular, a project information booth was opened in the vicinity of the bridge throughout the works and several talks and guided tours were offered. The challenges of working in a marine environment subject to tidal changes, the technical complexity together with the cultural significance of the bridge set this project apart.