New pedestrian bridges over Palma's ring road: Safe or just prettier steel?

New pedestrian bridges over Palma's ring road: Safe or just prettier steel?

Mallorca's Island Council has decided to completely rebuild three pedestrian and cycle bridges over the Via de Cintura between the Son Rossinyol industrial area and the IKEA. The crossings are around 30 years old; the bridge at the IKEA collapsed about a year ago after a truck accident. The project is estimated at €2.7 million and foresees metal structures, lighting and shallower ramps. A similarly old bridge on the airport motorway near Can Pastilla is also to be replaced.

Key question

Is replacing the structures with 'more modern' materials enough to guarantee long-term safety and everyday usability of the crossings — or will important details be overlooked?

Critical analysis

At first glance the decision sounds logical: renew outdated structures, avoid structural failures, and adapt ramps for cyclists. But the calculation must not stop at materials and lighting. The Via de Cintura is a loud, fast thoroughfare; the risk of accidents arises not only from the bridge structure itself but from the entire environment. How will the access and exit routes for pedestrians be designed? Are there safe crossing paths to bus stops, sufficient sightlines for drivers, edge protections against parked trucks? And: are €2.7 million realistic for three new bridges including traffic management, accessible entrances and long-term maintenance?

Another issue is resilience against impacts from heavy vehicles. The bridge at the IKEA collapsed after a truck accident — this suggests that impact protection or deflection areas are missing. Simpler ramps are good for cyclists, but they can shift conflicts to adjacent pathways if those routes lack safe infrastructure.

What is often missing in public discussion

In debates people quickly say 'new metal, new light' — and that's it. Too often unanswered are: Who takes responsibility for long-term maintenance? How will delivery traffic, construction logistics and short-term diversions be managed so pedestrians don't have to take detours for months? And how will people with limited mobility actually be considered — not only through standards on paper, but by testing in everyday operation?

Everyday scene from Palma

In the late afternoon, when the sun lies low over the Via de Cintura, you can see groups of workers crossing the road with bags full of pa amb oli, delivery trucks maneuvering while honking, and older residents from Son Sardina slowly trying to get up the ramp. Lighting is currently sparse; on some evenings the bridge becomes a shadowy zone where cyclists prefer to stay on the road out of fear of puddles and potholes.

Concrete solutions

1) Whole-axis consideration: Planning must not only include the bridges themselves but also the final 50–100 metres on each side: clear markings, dropped curbs, protected waiting zones at stops.

2) Impact protection and traffic calming: Robust approach barriers, anchored bollards and physical deflection measures for truck approaches reduce the chance that a tractor-trailer will hit the bridge structure.

3) Maintenance and life-cycle budgeting: The budget must include an annual maintenance fund, otherwise the steel structure will become problematic again in ten years.

4) Accessibility tested in everyday use: Before acceptance, senior, parent and wheelchair trials should take place — not just paperwork, but real test crossings at peak times.

5) Transparent construction logistics: Schedule construction phases so that the Son Rossinyol business park and IKEA deliveries are not restricted at the same time; publish and communicate alternative routes clearly.

Concise conclusion

Rebuilding the bridges is necessary and right — but only if it is more than a new dress for old infrastructure. A well-thought-out concept must consider the surroundings, strengthen protection against vehicle impacts and truly test everyday usability. Otherwise the same discussion will be back in a few years — perhaps with much higher costs and new incidents. People living in Palma want bridges that are safe, practical and maintainable. For that, metal and lighting alone are not enough.