04.11.2026 10:43
Concrete pieces fell from the columns and beams of the bridge on the D-100 Highway in Maltepe, Istanbul, and the exposed iron was seen to have rusted. Civil engineer Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Altan stated that the bridge is unsafe and said it should be strengthened or rebuilt as soon as possible. Citizens using the bridge also expressed that their lives were not safe.
In Maltepe, pieces of concrete fell from the columns and beams of the bridge on the D-100 Highway. The rebar exposed in the area where the falling occurred was seen to be rusted. The bridge’s latest condition was also captured from the air.
Pieces of concrete and plaster fell from the columns and beams of Maltepe Bridge on the Maltepe D-100 highway. Due to the falls that occurred at different points on the bridge, the exposed rebar was seen to be rusted. The unsettling latest condition of the bridge, which thousands of vehicles cross every day and many pedestrians use, was captured from the air by drone.
REBAR IS RUSTING, CROSS-SECTIONS ARE SHRINKING
Mehmet Fatih Altan, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Arel University, said, “When we examine Maltepe Bridge visually and physically right now, the concrete covering on this bridge, the part we call the concrete cover, has been scraped off, come away, gone, and the rebar is visible. When this rebar is exposed to air, moisture and water, it rusts. When it rusts, its cross-sections shrink and it loses its structural integrity. The bridge’s static calculations become invalid. For this reason, we can currently regard this bridge as unsafe. Because it is an old bridge, when we consider the traffic of that time, traffic density here has increased, and when we look at its current condition, the concrete quality is also lower. The concrete quality inside also poses a danger because it does not meet the concrete quality required by our latest earthquake regulations and building codes. This place needs to be strengthened as soon as possible, its static calculations need to be redone, its dynamic loads need to be calculated according to the new traffic density, and it needs to be strengthened and rebuilt.”
IT MAY POSE A DANGER AT ANY MOMENT
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Altan, noting that bridges must be inspected at regular intervals, said, “These bridges absolutely need to be inspected at specific periods. They need to be inspected routinely once a year, once every 6 months. Because right now the entire bridge is deteriorated. Corroded rebar is visible extensively everywhere, and because the distribution of that rebar is also visible, their spacing has deteriorated as well. Therefore, this bridge here needs to be addressed and rebuilt as soon as possible. For it to be demolished immediately, we need to examine it in a little more detail before we can say that. It may pose a danger at any moment. When we look at it visually and physically, there is no good sight at all. For this reason, we recommend that this bridge be addressed and rebuilt as soon as possible,” he said.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Altan said, “Our citizens are right in their hesitation. Because they are trying to pass under a structure whose collapse time is unknown. Therefore, the rebar here has become exposed and the drainage systems have deteriorated. Because it is a dynamic structure, it has leaked from everywhere and disrupted the chemistry of the concrete and the load-bearing rebar there. It has caused some of the rebar to corrode and has significantly lowered the quality of the concrete. When we look at the image, it has even advanced to a soil-like condition. In addition, because it was built according to old earthquake regulations and is an old bridge, it is not a bridge that meets our current standards. This place must immediately undergo a detailed performance analysis, and this bridge’s structural designs must be redone and it must be strengthened. If that is too costly, it should be demolished and rebuilt to a more modern bridge standard that complies with today’s regulations. With these bridges in general, we always encounter this type of thing. Because they are generally old bridges, we need to carry out their inspections routinely. Because these are always dangerous bridge types for us.”
CITIZENS PASS IN FEAR
Hülya Kaya, who uses the bridge on her way to work, said, “We have no safety of life; it needs to be fixed. We pass through here, the rebar is visible, and it involves danger and fear, all of it. We would like this to be reported to the relevant authorities.”
Nusret Güner, noting that the rebar is exposed, said, “It would be good if maintenance were done as soon as possible. The rebar is exposed, the beams are visible. It would be beneficial to do it immediately. It would be good if it were done; it poses a danger. Many heavy-load vehicles pass over it. It has to be done. It is problematic for both the cars passing underneath and the cars passing above. Before it collapses and turns into a major disaster, something needs to be done as soon as possible.”
Aynur Erdoğan, stating that she is afraid while crossing the bridge, said, “The municipality needs to fix this place as soon as possible. It is very dangerous for children and for adults. The rebar and rust are exposed, and its concrete is falling. It needs to be rebuilt. It does not look very nice aesthetically. We also pass under the bridge in fear. It also carries a risk for vehicles.”
Ömer Şimşek, stating that the concrete has started to fall, said, “This place is problematic; it does have a danger, it is not without danger. The rebar poses a risk. People walk here. It would be good if it were fixed. We pass through here; it creates problems, and the authorities need to do something. The concrete has also started to fall.”