Extreme heat pushes back reopening of Cartagonova bridge for another week

The closure has been extended by another week after extreme heat and technical challenges delayed work, with additional roadworks in the Alameda de San Antón area continuing to affect traffic

Drivers in Cartagena will have to put up with another week of disruption after the reopening of the Cartagonova bridge was pushed back until July 26.

The bridge was due to reopen on July 17, but Cartagena City Council says work to install a new wastewater pumping station in the Rambla has been delayed by a combination of extreme heat and technical difficulties, meaning the full road closure will now remain in place for at least another week.

The closure affects both directions of traffic between Calle Soldado Rosique and Avenida del Cantón, and motorists are being advised to plan ahead and use Avenida Sebastián Feringán or Calle Pero Niño as alternative routes to help avoid congestion.

The pumping station forms part of improvements to the city's wastewater infrastructure, with the challenging working conditions caused by the recent spell of exceptionally high temperatures slowing progress on site.

More roadworks in the Alameda de San Antón area

The bridge closure is not the only project affecting traffic in Cartagena. Work is also continuing around Alameda de San Antón, where the Mancomunidad de los Canales del Taibilla (MCT) is replacing water supply pipes serving Escombreras and the Virgen de la Caridad neighbourhood.

The latest phase of the project is focused on Calle Jorge Juan, between Calle El Escudo and Ramón y Cajal, where one lane has been closed to traffic while work is carried out.

The roadworks are expected to move further along Calle Jorge Juan over the coming weeks, so drivers are being urged to take extra care, follow the temporary traffic signs and allow extra time for their journeys while the work continues.

Image: Seguridad y Emergencias Cartagena