Two major highway bridges near Maribor, Slovenia, are undergoing extensive renovation, with cutting-edge German technology playing a vital role in the project’s success.
The Skedenj-I and Skedenj-II bridges, stretching a combined 930 metres, are being refurbished with the support of elevator systems provided by Bavarian manufacturer GEDA GmbH.
The works, expected to take around six months, represent one of Slovenia’s largest infrastructure renovation projects. Skedenj-I spans 530 metres and rises up to 30 metres, while Skedenj-II is 400 metres long with a height of 50 metres. Both bridges are using a combination of full pylon scaffolding and suspended scaffolds beneath the deck.
To meet the logistical challenges, GEDA has supplied two elevator systems to support material transport and worker mobility. The GEDA 300 Z handles heavy lifting, capable of moving materials up to 300 kilograms at speeds of 30 metres per minute, with a lifting range of up to 100 metres.
Alongside it, the GEDA 500 Z/ZP offers flexible transport for both people and materials. In passenger mode, it carries up to five individuals, while in material mode, it can lift loads up to 500 kilograms. Its safety features include GEDA’s own landing level gates, designed specifically for scaffold-based worksites.
Jernej Gornjak, Technical Director at HEGOMONT d.o.o., the Slovenian construction partner on the project, praised the collaboration:
“This is the largest renovation of viaducts—highway bridges—in the history of Slovenia. We could never have successfully completed such a massive project under such demanding conditions without the help of GEDA elevators.”
He added that the use of the hoists has allowed them to build hanging scaffolds at an impressive pace of over 12 metres per day across the entire underside of the bridge.
The project is also a milestone for HEGOMONT, marking the largest in the company’s history both in terms of complexity and financial scale. Their long-standing partnership with GEDA, now spanning over 25 years, has proven vital.
Founded in Germany over 90 years ago, GEDA is known for its reliable construction and industrial elevator systems, now in use across more than 80 countries.
