TEHRAN - An ancient arch bridge dating back to roughly 1,700 years ago in Dezful, has undergone restoration, said a local official.

“This phase aims to eliminate previous interventions on the bridge’s deck and conduct protective and restorative measures on some of its arches,” Hamidreza Khadem noted. “The restoration work will involve removing multiple layers of asphalt to reduce dead load and lighten the historical structure.”

Other tasks, he added, include correcting the slope, preventing moisture from penetrating the bridge’s core elements, waterproofing, and paving the deck with bricks.

Best known as the Dezful bridge, the massive monument on the Dez River is believed to be the oldest still-standing bridge in the world and it remained in full functionality until recently.

The Sassanid-era structure has been extensively repaired and renovated in various eras to ensure its functionality and preservation. Nowadays, cars are no longer allowed to pass over the structure due to its historical value and fragility.

It is said that the monument was built by Roman prisoners of war after suffering a defeat at the hands of the Sassanid king Shapur I the Great, who reigned over Persia from around 240-270 CE.

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