Olomouc announced a landscape competition for the final part of flood protection

Olomouc - The Olomouc City Hall has announced a landscape competition for the final part of flood protection measures for the Morava River, which are intended to protect Letná, Lazce, part of Hejčín, Černovír, and the area of Klášterní Hradisko from flooding in the northern part of the city. Proposals for the first round of the competition can be submitted until April 26. The city hall spokesperson Radka Štědrá informed ČTK today.

"The competition is organized in two phases. It concerns flood protection measures and the integration of the river into the city in the context of Letná, Lazce, Černovír, and especially the baroque landmark Klášterní Hradisko. It also addresses the northern connection with a new bridge," said the mayor's deputy Tomáš Pejpek (ProOlomouc). The third phase will build on the previous flood protection structures downstream of the Morava River. It extends from the city center upstream from the bridge on Komenského street to the edge of the Protected Landscape Area of Litovelské Pomoraví.

The upcoming third phase of flood protection measures includes not only the Morava River but also the confluence with the Trusovický stream and the closure dam. Its construction is planned between Černovír and Hejčín. "The first phase of the competition should provide a conceptual solution, while the second phase will offer room for a more detailed elaboration," Pejpek noted.

Last year, the city hall discussed the landscape competition assignment with experts and the public. At the end of 2023, the council approved the competition conditions. "Thanks to the landscape competition, we will gain a spectrum of proposals from which the jury will select the most suitable ones, leading to a new appearance of public spaces. Philosophically and in scope, it is a completely unique solution in the area of flood protection for the city, emphasizing its urban function, natural values, and the long-term sustainability of ecosystems," said Mayor Miroslav Žbánek (ANO).

The construction of flood protection measures in Olomouc on the Morava River is divided into several phases. The section near the center of Olomouc, which began construction in the spring of 2018, was completed two years ago and followed two previously completed sections. The investment of 730 million crowns included the construction of two bridges on Komenského street and Masaryk Avenue, the construction of dams and flood walls, as well as the widening of the Morava River's channel and embankments.

This spring, the Morava River Basin Authority will begin construction on another phase of flood protection for Olomouc, which will protect the city areas of Nový Svět and Nemilany from major flooding. The construction of flood protection measures in this part of Olomouc will cost 170 million. "Only with the completion of the third phase will the system of flood protection be closed, which will truly protect the majority of Olomouc in terms of built-up areas," Žbánek added.