Most Červeňák in Pardubice may be replaced by a new footbridge, activists disagree

Pardubice - The City of Pardubice has had the dilapidated Červeňák bridge in the same-named natural area reassessed to more accurately determine the extent of its emergency status. It has been closed since 2018. The mayor, Jan Nadrchal (ANO), told ČTK. The city government is responding to the request of activists who demand that the bridge be protected as a monument. In contrast, the city is considering demolishing it and building a new one in its place.

"We had additional assessments done; the activists suggested removing granite cobblestones from the reinforced concrete deck to lighten the bridge. We were investigating whether this would actually help the bridge. The assessors were very cautious; they did not clearly say whether it would help the bridge or whether it would collapse," said the mayor.

The first city assessment already stated that the Červeňák has zero load-bearing capacity and that it should not be accessed. Therefore, the city closed the bridge in 2018. People continued to walk on it, which is why high concrete barriers were installed. The mayor recently stated that it would be possible to build a new crossing instead of the bridge, for example, in the form of a footbridge.

"Repairing the bridge would be more expensive than building a new bridge or footbridge. I have a problem with repairing the bridge because there could be other faults that we do not see now. When repair is done, it will extend its lifespan by about ten or 15 years; that’s not much," said the mayor.

According to the mayor, repairing the bridge for a relatively short time is therefore not worthwhile. "It is more reasonable to demolish the bridge. From what I have learned, according to heritage protectors, it has no cultural significance, and they do not consider it valuable. It is a standard construction. Therefore, I lean towards building a new bridge or a footbridge there," said the mayor.

The new footbridge could resemble the old Červeňák in shape, he added. It is also possible that the bridge will disappear without replacement since a little downstream of the Chrudimka River is the Zeleňák bridge. Another connection between the banks of the river is to be created near the planned bypass of the city, where there will be a road and also a path for pedestrians and cyclists. "From this perspective, the construction of a new footbridge seems redundant," said the mayor.

Last year, activists submitted a proposal for the Ministry of Culture to declare the bridge an industrial cultural monument. Formerly a military bridge, it dates back to 1935. Its red color has faded, and its riveted structure is rusty. According to the activists from the Protect Trees association, the bridge documents the development of bridge construction at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

According to the mayor, the city does not have to wait for the Ministry of Culture's decision and will likely commission a study for the new footbridge. "It is a simple construction proposal that should be within the council's competence. I would certainly be glad if we could commission the study this year," said the mayor. Pardubice wants to revitalize the natural area where the bridge is located, and work is set to begin this year.

"We are waiting for the building permit; the documentation is ready. We will probably start this unpleasant task in the fall, which is tree felling. I believe the plan is discussed, and we have talked about it for a long time with various associations. I believe that the felling will be accepted. The work will be gradual, lasting about three years, during which there will also be replanting. Additionally, the renewal of the road network will also begin," said the mayor.