The UNESCO advisory mission recommended the reconstruction of the Vyšehrad Bridge

Prague - The advisory mission of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS, which visited Prague last December due to the intention of the Czech Railways (SŽ) to replace the railway bridge at Vyšehrad with a new one, has recommended the reconstruction of the monument-protected structure. This follows from the mission report, which was highlighted on the website of the Ministry of Culture. Local associations, municipalities, and conservationists from the National Heritage Institute also criticize the intention to replace the bridge. SŽ spokesperson Nela Eberl Friebová stated that the organization is familiarizing itself with the report. Similarly, Minister of Transport Martin Kupka (ODS) expressed to ČTK that he would decide on further steps after the completion of the impact assessment of the project on historical heritage (HIA).

"Regardless of economic or operational considerations, whether short-term (reconstruction or new construction) or long-term (maintenance), the renovation of the existing bridge can be considered the optimal choice," states the published report. Among other reasons, the document cites the preservation of the value of the World Heritage site and the possibility of carrying out the reconstruction with minimal steel replacement.

"Currently, SŽ is familiarizing itself with the recommendations from the final report while simultaneously continuing to process the impact assessment in the context of world heritage (HIA). Its conclusions are expected by the end of July this year," Eberl Friebová stated. The HIA assessment, which is similar to the legally required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), was promised by Kupka by the end of 2023.

Kupka also told ČTK that he will only familiarize himself with the report now. He stated that the work around the bridge, which has already begun, will continue but does not limit further action in any way. "The relocation of utilities must continue," he noted, indicating that this would expedite subsequent works, regardless of their nature. The Minister added that he awaits the HIA assessment and will decide based on it.

In preparing the final report, its authors also relied on the assessment of the SŽ project and a competing study commissioned by the Foundation for the Rescue of the Vyšehrad Bridge in cooperation with foreign experts on riveted structures, according to which the bridge can be repaired in such a way that the work, including preparation, will last four years, cause minimal disruption to traffic, be cheaper than a new build, and ensure a lifespan of another 100 years.

Another issue addressed was the addition of a third rail, which SŽ and the city aim to include for capacity reasons. "Given the operational need for a third rail, it should be routed over the new bridge with a flat deck located south of the historic bridge," the authors of the report stated. The foundation's study also anticipates a similar solution.

The authors of the report rejected the intention of SŽ to move the bridge upstream of the Vltava River between Modřany and Velká Chuchle, where it would further serve as a walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. The Vltava there, according to the report, is not "wide or majestic", and although moving it would save the bridge as a cultural artifact, its originally intended function and benefit to the Prague skyline would be lost.

Regarding the location of the train stop on the Výtoň side, SŽ plans to place it directly at Výtoň, while the authors of the foundation's study proposed its original location at the former Vyšehrad station. "The location and design of the new station on the eastern bank between Vyšehrad and Výtoň should be subject to further examination," the authors of the report recommended.

"We expect that Minister Kupka will now, as per his public promise, halt the current project for a new bridge. Otherwise, there is a risk of entire Prague being removed from the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the residence of Czech kings and presidents - Prague Castle," stated the spokesperson of the Foundation for the Vyšehrad Bridge, Jan Havlíček. He added that representatives of the foundation are in contact with SŽ and are discussing the details of their project.

"UNESCO states: The bridge contributes to the exceptional universal value of Prague. This is exactly how 25,000 signatories of the largest petition regarding monuments in Prague see it. Moving it is nonsensical; the bridge can last another 100 years, focus on the repair - these are the main messages. Our work was not in vain," commented the report's founder of the initiative "Don't Demolish," Pavel Štorch. He added that the association will urge the government to immediately instruct Kupka to cancel the results of the earlier SŽ competition and to initiate the bridge's repair.

Similarly, the president of the Czech National Committee of ICOMOS, Martin Horáček, expressed his view. "The conclusion of UNESCO is so clear that I see no other option than a sensitive repair of the bridge by the Czech Railways. Ignoring UNESCO would mean playing with the inclusion of the Historic Center of Prague on the list of endangered monuments," he stated.

The intention to replace the bridge has also been criticized by, for example, the chairman of Prague Sobě, Adam Scheinherr. "Thoughtless steps may lead to removal from the World Heritage List," he told ČTK. "Solutions exist, but like everything in the city and public space, it requires dialogue and respect for given conditions, not pushing one idea forcefully," Scheinherr added, stating that it is necessary to combine modern needs with respect for history.

The original railway bridge at Výtoň was opened on August 15, 1872. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, it was replaced by the bridge that still spans the Vltava today. According to experts, it is an important technical cultural monument in the Prague Heritage Reserve, and its riveted construction is heritage protected. Due to its poor condition, train traffic on the bridge is significantly limited; according to earlier statements from SŽ, its replacement is necessary due to severe corrosion.