Prioritizing public safety and the preservation of urban heritage, the Bilbao City Council has proceeded with the precautionary closure of the wooden walkway located next to the emblematic Gabarra, following the detection of various surface imperfections. However, after an initial assessment by municipal technicians, the message is one of reassurance: the structure presents no risks.
According to municipal officials, the decision to cordon off the passage is strictly a measure of "precaution". The localized damage is limited to the surface and does not affect the overall stability, allowing the situation to be addressed with a planned roadmap rather than as a last-minute emergency.
“"A first inspection has been carried out and it is known that there is no structural risk. In any case, its condition will be thoroughly analyzed to prepare the repair project. Once this project is completed, the work will be undertaken."
The current closure is not merely a waiting measure, but the beginning of a thorough intervention. Sources from the Consistory explain that the next step will be to analyze in detail the state of conservation of all elements to develop a comprehensive repair project. With this strategy, the responsible department aims to ensure that the intervention is durable and resolves the deterioration caused by constant exposure to weather agents.
The walkway will remain fenced off while engineers define the technical needs and materials required for the renovation. Until then, transit through the rest of the Itsasmuseum area and adjacent docks continues normally, awaiting the new project to restore this section of the promenade to its optimal state.
The affected walkway is one of the most frequented and photographed spots around the Itsasmuseum, offering a privileged view of the Gabarra, a symbol of Athletic and Bizkaia's industrial history. Being in the heart of the esplanade, the Bilbao City Council has acted swiftly in the analysis to prevent the deterioration of the wood from tarnishing the image of this strategic location. It is a section of great symbolic value that connects the town's naval past with the current Abandoibarra promenade.
