The reconnaissance stage

by David Taylor

First published in SFOR Informer #18, September 3, 1997

Images of the destruction of the Old Mostar Bridge, the structure which gave the name to this ancient town (most = bridge, stari = old) flashed across the television screens of the world four years ago. It seemed that the collapse of this ancient span over the Neretva River symbolised the decisive split between the warring entities headed on the road of no return.

Recently, though, a letter was sent to directly to Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, COMSFOR, by the Deputy Mayor of Mostar, requesting SFOR assistance in a complex project to rebuild the bridge.

Within a week of receipt, Maj. Gen. Werner Widder, COSSFOR was able to offer support for the operation within military capabilities and subject to unit availability. Following this, HQ SFOR and Multinational Division South East (MND-SE) Engineers were able to proceed with planning and the reconnaissance necessary for the operation.

It was decided that the Hungarian Engineering Contingent (HEC), a Theatre Engineering Asset based in Okucani, Croatia, would be the main engineering unit involved in Phase One of the operation, supported by MND-SE. Phase One foresees the lifting of submerged segments of the bridge and their transportation to a nearby storage platform to dry out.

Plans have already been drawn up to allow for a floating winch, using two pontoon sections, to lift the stones and then float them downstream to be lifted by crane on to the storage platform. The heavy stone segments will be hauled while submerged to take advantage of the weight reduction offered by water. This phase also involves the construction of an approach ramp.

Negotiations with the local hydro-electric company have guaranteed SFOR Engineers a steady dam-controlled water level for ten days during the critical lifting period.

Phase Two will involve the reconstruction of the bridge by a partnership of civilian companies. SFOR involvement at this stage will probably involve co-operation in removing the metal pedestrian bridge that presently spans the gorge where the Old Bridge once stood.

Due to weather constraints, SFOR plans to move rapidly through the design, training and preparatory phase and begin raising sections by late September. The engineers of HEC already have full plans drawn up for the winch-pontoon design and met recently with Spanish Engineers of MND-SE to discuss the project. The equipment will be tried out on the Sava River before the Hungarians begin their work in the tight constraints of the gorge in Mostar.

The Hungarian Engineers recently expressed their extreme pride at being chosen to work on the SFOR portion of a project that will attract the attention of the entire world. Equally keen to participate, the Spanish Brigade Engineers based in Medugorje are presently examining their intervention in Phase Two.

[The Old Mostar Bridge Project]