Peregrina-- that is disturbing, specially given that the Camino is the only road on the UNESCO list of Sites designated as Patrimony of Humanity. So, I really wondered if this adds a layer of permit(s) required to do any work that alters its historical value (...of all places...SARRIA!!??
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I have attached the scope of work; found it on the internet. It cites as the work been required due to: 1) Serious flooding episodes impacting Sarria city centre, and 2) urban growth. Apparently, the city centre is a flat area anchored by two area with flood propensity. According to the firm that prepare the scope, the objectives are to improve the river drainage, to improve the conditions around the rivers, and create areas of public leisure.
If you ask me, this scope of work can be modify and still be done without seriously impacting the bridges; it requires more work and consequently, it may cost more, but tearing down and replacing the bridges makes the "remedy worse than the disease".
Page 7 shows four (4) bridges that will be either taken down or modified: 1) Puente Castelao, 2) Puente R/Calvo Sotelo (to be demolished), 3) Puente R/Peregrino (Puente Ribeira? to be remodeled), and 4) Puente do Chanto. However, there are three (3) medieval bridges that will be demolished along with some local houses. These are: 1) Ponte Vella do Mazadoiro, 2) Ponte Vella de Becerrea, 3) Ponte do Peregrino. They invoke urban growth pressure and how unavoidable this work is...(!) They cited an Alternatives Analysis (24 options) none of which is better than demolishing the bridges (seriously?).
IMPORTANT: Page 18 of the Report, Item No. 4 states that THERE ARE NO IMPACTS TO THE HISTORICAL PATRIMONY OF THE AREA FROM THIS WORK. This is such an obvious lie and this alone would invalidate this scope and send people back to the draft board.
The Point of Contact for this work is Sr. Ignacio Maestro Saavedra, email:
imaestro@chminosil.es and his phone number is (34) 98 824 2402. I intend to write him an email message expressing concern on behalf of the WORLWIDE pilgrim's community (The Camino is after all PATRIMONY OF HUMANITY) and urging for the prevention and/or minimization to any impact to the bridges in question. I know that ultimately this is a local issue and it will be done as they wish, but I (as part of humanity!) would had said my peace. THIS IS ALSO OUR PATRIMONY.