Cunda Bridge, connecting the islands of Lale and Cunda (Alibey) in the Ayvalık is at risk of collapse

It has been reported that the Cunda Bridge, connecting the islands of Lale and Cunda (Alibey) in the Ayvalık district of Balıkesir and known as “Turkey’s first strait bridge,” is at risk of collapse.

The Cunda Bridge, which has a historical past of 53 years, with a width sufficient for two vehicles and only one-directional pedestrian passage, providing transportation between Ayvalık and Cunda Island, is reportedly at risk of collapsing.

In 2010, Sema Ünver, a member of the Ayvalık Municipal Council from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), first brought the issue to the agenda, stating that the bridge lacked a protective concrete layer, and there was wear on its surface and supports. In response to this, in 2012, a report was prepared by the Chamber of Civil Engineers Ayvalık Branch, drawing attention to the danger on the bridge.

However, despite the report, no maintenance work was carried out on the bridge.

After 11 years, a new report has been prepared by the Chamber of Civil Engineers Ayvalık Branch, dated January 24, 2023. The report highlights that cracks have deepened in the stones and both connection points of the bridge, emphasizing the increased risk of destruction and collapse due to the increase in the number of vehicles and the passage of heavy-tonnage vehicles.