The repair of the Libeň Bridge is estimated to cost 476.9 million CZK

Prague - The capital city has chosen the reconstruction option for the Libeň Bridge that involves strengthening rather than replacing the existing structure. It is the second cheapest of the four proposed alternatives; according to estimates from the Klokner Institute of the Czech Technical University, the work should cost around 476.9 million and last over two years. The Prague city council made the decision on the option today. They simultaneously canceled a several years old public contract for the original project of demolishing the bridge, which had been suspended since 2016. Repairs to the foundations and pillars are set to begin later this year, while work on the deck will start with traffic closure at the end of 2021.

The Libeň Bridge, built in 1928, is in a state of disrepair and has never been repaired. The previous leadership of Prague advocated for its demolition, but the current one has decided on repairs. "After reconstruction, the bridge will be restored to its original state, allowing two-way tram operations and the operation of cars without any restrictions," stated Adam Scheinherr, the Deputy Mayor for Transport (Prague Together), today.

The city's leadership based its decision on an assessment of possible repair options prepared by the Klokner Institute. The chosen option is the second least invasive and the second cheapest. The option with the lowest costs - around 367.4 million crowns - entailed preserving the arches in their current form. The most expensive option at 586 million proposed demolishing a significant part of the bridge's arches and replacing the arch, which would extend the bridge's lifespan to over 75 years.

The chosen option will extend the lifespan of the structure by at least fifty years. The solution primarily involves replacing the abutments of the bridge, which are in poor condition due to corrosion, and reinforcing the arch section. According to the conclusions of the Klokner Institute, this is a compromise solution in terms of cost, the duration of necessary bridge closure, and traffic capacity. The repaired structure will be capable of supporting two-way tram traffic, passenger cars, and trucks up to 32 tons.

According to Scheinherr, the city has already issued a contract for repairing the bridge's foundations, which should begin at the end of this year. The Technical Road Administration, which is responsible for the repairs, is expected to announce a tender for the overall reconstruction project in May. Scheinherr also envisions that architects will oversee the repairs to maintain the character of the building with cubist elements. The city will also address the appearance of the bridge's abutment near Rohanský Island.

In the past, it was considered that the city might build a temporary bridge during the reconstruction, but the city hall has backed away from that idea. Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr (Prague Together) stated that the construction would cost around 325 million crowns, which would not be worthwhile for the two-year duration of the reconstruction. Thus, drivers of both cars and public transport will use detours.

Prague has long-term issues with the condition of its bridges. In early December 2017, a footbridge between Císařský Island and Troja collapsed. Four people were injured in the accident. Prague is also addressing the repair of the Hlávkův Bridge, which is currently being examined by experts. The Palackého Bridge is also in poor condition, and preparations for the repair of the Barrandov Bridge are underway.