Serious defects found in newly-opened Bulgaria-Romania bridge

Bulgaria’s transport ministry has found at least 20 serious defects in the new Danube 2 Bridge, which links the country to Romania.

A large pothole appeared a little over a week ago, prompting an investigation in which numerous other problems were unearthed.

Paving was completed in April and the bridge was opened in June 2013.

Bulgaria’s transport minister Danail Papazov said the bridge had a whole series of problems, and that the Romanian side was worse.

The Minister said that problems included many cracks due to poor drainage of the bridge, causing water to leak under the asphalt, damage which will become worse in the winter when the water freezes.

The check also discovered problems with lighting and malfunctioning traffic lights.