The bridge over the Elbe in Hradec passed the load test, it is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Hradec Králové - The footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists across the Elbe in Hradec Králové has successfully passed the load test. At one moment, the bridge was loaded with six multi-carts weighing a total of 3.5 tons. There is still railing to be completed on the bridge and the approaches on both sides need to be finished. Kateřina Šmídová, a spokesperson for the city hall, said this today.

The 103-meter-long bridge has been under construction by the city since last September. The builders should complete it entirely by the end of the year, followed by its approval for use. The bridge is expected to serve the public starting next spring.

In August, the city council approved an increase in the cost of the bridge across the Elbe by 7.5 million crowns to a total of 169.3 million crowns including tax. According to the city hall, the reason for the price increase was unexpected adjustments during construction. For example, changes were needed at the end of the bridge due to electrical cables found at a different height by the builders. The reinforcement of the deck structure during its installation was also more expensive.

The construction of the bridge, which is being built by the company SMP CZ, has been in preparation by the city since 2003. The bridge will connect the city center with the Aldis area. Hradec expects it to significantly revitalize Aldis and Smetanova waterfront. The city has received a European grant of 102.7 million crowns for the construction.

Compared to other bridges, the Hradec construction is exponentially more expensive. For example, Pardubice opened a footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists across the Elbe at the end of 2020 for 40.8 million crowns. According to the Hradec city hall, the high cost is attributed to the unusual design and technology used. The bridge consists of load-bearing cables, a steel ribbed structure, and 39 pieces of slender segments of the deck made from special concrete.