Greek farmers keep using damaged Palaiopyrgos Bridge despite safety risks

The Palaiopyrgos Bridge, which spans the Pineios River near the villages of Palaiopyrgos and Alexandrini in the Larissa region, has been partially collapsed since it was severely damaged by Storm Daniel in September 2023. Although officials have declared the structure unsafe and repairs have not begun for nearly three years, local drivers—most of them farmers—continue to cross it daily because the alternative route adds 19 to 30 miles of travel.

Residents say they have little choice, describing the situation as “playing with death every day.” Lawmaker Kyriakos Velopoulos warned that another severe storm could turn the weakened bridge into a dam, risking flooding of nearby villages. Plans for a replacement bridge have been approved, but construction has yet to start, so traffic over the damaged crossing is expected to persist.