Most Červeňák in Pardubice will remain accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists after the repair

Pardubice - The Červeňák Bridge in Pardubice will serve pedestrians and cyclists after planned repairs; cars will not be allowed to drive on it. This information was mentioned at today's council meeting. The city considered increasing the bridge's load capacity so that ambulances could use it if necessary. The bridge in a natural area has been closed since 2019 due to its poor condition.

Last week, Pardubice city councilors discussed the proposal to restore the bridge's load capacity. In the past, heavy machinery drove over the bridge because it was built by soldiers, and the namesake area was used as a military training ground. However, over time the bridge deteriorated to the point where experts say it can barely support itself.

In March this year, councilors approved the preparation of a tender for major repairs of the bridge by September. The reconstruction should preserve the structure's current form as much as possible.

Deputy Mayor Jan Hrabal (ANO) proposed increasing the bridge's load capacity for ambulances that could use it. However, the councilors did not approve his proposal for project development. Councilor and member of parliament Karel Haas (ODS) feared that if the city allocated several million crowns for the project, it would mean tens of millions for the repairs, which could be a reason why Červeňák is never repaired. "And a 150-meter southeast bypass is also being prepared. Please, let’s keep Červeňák for pedestrians and cyclists at a reasonable cost," said councilor Petr Klimpl (DS). He added that the nearby Zeleňák Bridge has the load capacity necessary for integrated rescue services.

Activists have been advocating for the preservation of Červeňák, who submitted a proposal last year for it to become a cultural monument. The Ministry of Culture has not yet made a decision on this. "Currently, all the gathered and extensive materials are being evaluated by the ministry. Then it will be decided whether a procedure for declaring this bridge a cultural monument will be initiated or not," stated ministry spokeswoman Ivana Awwadová.