Four dilapidated bridges, the staircase at Čeline and the popular King's Chair on the trail around Crno Jezero in Žabljak will be reconstructed according to the conceptual design approved by the Directorate of the Chief State Architect.
The project envisages that the buildings will retain their existing appearance and characteristic materials, while increasing their safety, stability and durability.
The educational trail around Crno Jezero, about 3,5 kilometers long, runs along the lake's edge through a fir and spruce forest. It has four bridges, picnic furniture, a canopy, and information and educational boards, and is one of the most visited trails in Montenegro and the most visited among national park trails.
According to the terms of reference of the Public Company for National Parks of Montenegro, the condition of the infrastructure on the trail has significantly deteriorated in recent years, especially when it comes to bridges. Due to their deterioration and the large number of visitors, it was assessed that urgent rehabilitation is necessary to reduce the risk to visitors.
On August 6, the Directorate of the Chief State Architect of the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property approved the amended conceptual design of the architectural project for the reconstruction of the educational trail, bridges, canopy and stairs.
The project envisages the reconstruction of four bridges - at Otoka, at Motički potok, at Spomen-česma and at Mlinski potok - as well as the King's Chair and the staircase at Čeline.
The longest bridge is at Otoka, about 40 meters long and 1,44 meters wide. The bridge at Motički potok is about 11,6 meters long, at Spomen-česma 20,2, while the bridge at Mlinski potok is 10,5 meters long.
All are made of wood, and the National Parks warned that their supporting elements are in poor condition. A particular problem is the wooden poles, which have been in contact with water for a long time, which is why they have started to rot and deteriorate.
The planks on some bridges are warped and twisted, making crossing the bridge even more risky, especially during the winter months.
The project envisages the removal of worn-out wooden elements and their replacement with new ones, while reinforced concrete pillars will be installed at certain positions, in zones of direct and long-term contact with water.
The bridges will, however, retain their existing concept, shape and characteristic materialization. The wooden elements will be made of high-quality pine wood and protected from the influence of specific microclimatic conditions.
The reinforced concrete sections will be clad with local stone to preserve the ambient appearance of the location.
Fence in Čeline
Reconstruction is also planned at Čeline, where there are about 65 meters of stairs and an access path.
The staircase is very steep and is located on terrain that slopes sharply towards the lake. The existing stone blocks are irregularly shaped, and some of them are damaged or missing. The project documentation warns that this condition makes passage difficult and can be dangerous, especially when the terrain is wet.
The existing staircase will serve as the basis for the reconstruction. New stone elements will be placed using fine gravel and soil as a buffer and binding material, and it is planned to retain the existing positions of the staircase flights.
On the side facing the lake, a wooden fence with a handrail, approximately 38 meters long, filled with natural rope, will be installed.
New stone paving is planned at the beginning and end of the staircase to ensure that the intervention blends into the terrain as well as possible.
New shingles on the King's chair
Special attention is paid to the King's Chair, one of the most recognizable resting places on the trail around Black Lake.
The characteristically shaped building has a stone base and a wooden structure, while the roof covering has completely deteriorated in recent years and must be replaced.
The reconstruction of the entire wooden structure is planned, while the existing supporting pillar and stone foundation will be retained.
The new roof will be made of high-quality wooden shingles, with waterproofing. The plan is to preserve the existing appearance of the building and use natural materials that blend in with the surroundings.
The Directorate of the Chief State Architect specifically emphasizes in its decision that the reconstruction should maintain the original form, position and characteristic materialization of the existing buildings.
The interventions are justified by the need to increase stability, safety, durability and accessibility, with minimal impact on the sensitive natural environment during the works and subsequent use.
It is envisaged that excavated material, wherever ground conditions permit, will be primarily used to form perimeter embankments, while excess material must be removed from the site.
At the points where bridges connect to the footpath, it is possible to place stones to connect the structures to the terrain as naturally as possible.
Durmitor National Park was established in 1952, and the Durmitor area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List in 1980.
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