Plan agreed to repair Mont-rebei gorge crossing

 

The spectacular 500 to 700m-high Mont-rebei gorge in the Montsec mountains in the western region of Lleida is the only intact great gorge in Catalonia not crossed by any road, railway or electricity line.

Even though the gorge is only 20 meters wide at its narrowest point, the only way to get from one of its towering rock walls to the other side is via two small hanging bridges.

Yet, one of them has been closed since November for safety reasons while the local authorities in the area had to decide how to go about paying for the repairs.

Fortunately, that dilemma was resolved on Wednesday when local authorities in Catalonia and Aragon sealed a deal for funding the repairs of the bridge that links the two territories.

Natural boundary between Catalonia and Aragon

The gorge created by the river Noguera Ribagorçana as it passes through the mountains separates the Montsec d'Ares massif, in Catalonia, from the Montsec de l'Estall, in Aragon.

In fact, the agreement between the two authorities goes beyond merely repairing the bridge, and commits both institutions to each find funding for its joint maintenance in the future.

Since its closure two months ago, the lack of the bridge has denied hikers the magnificent views of the emerald green river that runs far below along the canyon floor.

More good news for visitors to the beauty spot is that the two local authorities also agreed to work on another deal for jointly preserving the Mont-rebei's natural surroundings, which are also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including eagles and vultures.