On the Libeň Bridge, load tests are continuing

Prague - Today, experts continue load testing on the Libeň Bridge in Prague. They are determining how the structure performs under a weight of over 540 tons. This is represented by trams, trucks, and the load that pedestrians would theoretically impose. Preliminary test results will be known in ten days, according to the director of the Technical Administration of Roads in Prague (TSK) Jozef Sinčák, with final results available in a month.

The bridge is closed to cars and public transport until Sunday. The bridge, built in 1928, is in poor condition and has never been repaired. TSK closed the bridge for testing last Saturday. Currently, deformation of the bridge is being measured at the third bridge arch and at the so-called inundation bridge on the riverbank, which serves as flood protection and under which water flows during floods.

Like last weekend, experts used two trams weighing 66 tons each. According to the director of the professional association Inset, Ludvík Hegrlík, this is the maximum weight that the trams can reportedly carry according to documentation. They gradually added load bags to them. Finally, trucks were driven onto the bridge, each weighing 41 tons. More trucks will be brought in by the experts in the afternoon, totaling eight.

According to Hegrlík, it was already evident at a lower load of around 400 tons that the inundation bridge is not in good condition. The test results should help select a reconstruction option for the entire bridge complex.

The tests will continue until midnight tonight, after which experts will begin clearing the area. By morning, trams should be operating normally across the bridge again.