With the removal of the iconic steel arch of the Old Sava Bridge on July 30, 2025, one of the most challenging phases in dismantling this landmark Belgrade structure was successfully completed. This demanding operation marks the beginning of a new chapter – the construction of a modern, higher-capacity bridge at the same location, between Belgrade Waterfront and Staro Sajmište.
The dismantling process was a highly complex technical and technological task, successfully carried out through the joint efforts of the Mostogradnja ING and Millennium Team consortium. Over the past several months, with the support of specialized barges and floating cranes, the bridge was carefully disassembled into segments and removed from its original position.
The large arch, after several weeks of preparation, was first lifted from the pillars by hydraulic towers placed on barges, and then lowered downstream to the existing pontoon, where preparations for its removal were carried out. The structure remained on the barges for about thirty days, the time needed to complete the launching girder used for pulling it ashore, as well as the additional reinforcement of the structure required for this maneuver. Upon completion of these activities, between September 3 and 5, 2025, the arch was pulled ashore, where further dismantling activities are continuing.
The entire operation was carried out with minimal closure of river traffic and transport.
In parallel with these works, piling for the foundations of the new bridge pillars, as well as piles for the retaining walls of the access road on the Novi Beograd side, were completed.
The new Sava Bridge will feature two traffic lanes in each direction, bicycle and pedestrian paths and a central tram lane. It will be three times larger than the old bridge and with 60% larger span. The new steel structure will weigh 6,700 tons.
Mostogradnja ING-Millennium Team consortium is responsible for dismantling the existing bridge, as well as constructing the piles, foundations and concrete pillars for the new bridge. They will also build the access roads on both sides of the Sava River. The steel structure will be installed by Power Construction Corporation of China, which is the project leader.
