Prague is looking for ways to connect the shores during the demolition of the Libeňský Bridge

Prague - Prague currently does not know how to connect the Vltava banks for public transport and cars in the event of the demolition of the Libeň Bridge. It is now exploring the possibility of constructing a temporary bridge upstream from the existing one. It is clear that a structure for engineering networks will be built over the Vltava. This was stated today by the Deputy Mayor Petr Dolínek (ČSSD) to reporters. The demolition of the bridge was supported today by Prague councilors, who justified it with time and financial savings.

On Thursday, the representatives must still discuss the demolition. Against the removal of the bridge, the councilors of the Trojkoalice (SZ, KDU-ČSL, and STAN) expressed their opposition today, stating that they would not vote for the demolition in the council.

"A technical replacement footbridge must exist there due to the relocation of (engineering) networks. The problem is, of course, with a full-fledged replacement of the bridge," Dolínek said. The bridge would be closed only when it is being removed and replaced with a new one.

According to Dolínek, the problem with building a temporary bridge lies in the width of the Vltava and the nearly kilometer-long length of the Libeň Bridge complex. Additionally, the city would encroach on private land. "However, we have tasked the Technical Road Administration (TSK) to look into a solution upstream. One theoretically possible option presents itself, but we need to verify it," he said. If the TSK finds a route for the temporary solution, the decision on its construction will also depend on the complexity of the technical implementation and the cost.

It is unclear when the Libeň Bridge could be demolished and a new one constructed. If the representatives agree on Thursday, the city will have the technical documentation for the construction tasks supplemented. In the coming months, it will pass it on to the companies that succeeded in the first round of the selection process years ago. In the second round, these companies will propose the most efficient bridge construction. In the past, Prague sought a company for the construction of a new bridge, but retreated from demolition in 2016 and wanted a renovation, which the city leadership has now reconsidered.

If the representatives do not approve today's council decision, the city will return to the plan to repair the bridge.

"The demolition of the bridge without a previously realized alternative for the replacement of public transport is a gamble with Prague's transport and arrogance towards non-motorized citizens. I am in favor of the renovation of the Libeň Bridge. After that, it would last about ten to 15 years. During that time, a new bridge could be built from Holešovice to Karlín, and prepare the documentation for the new construction of the Libeň Bridge. Then it could be dismantled and a new one built," stated Václav Losík, a licensed engineer for structural integrity and dynamics. Given the low traffic load, he believes a tram bridge with foot and cycling paths would suffice as a new construction.

In building a new bridge, the city would announce a competition that would require the selected company to adhere to a maximum price and construction timeline to which it would be committed. An architecture competition would not be held. The city leadership defends this method by citing savings. "The costs for the repair of the bridge will exceed the costs for a new bridge," said Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO).

Disputes over the reconstruction or demolition of the bridge have been ongoing for years. A part of the politicians and citizens advocates for repairs, considering the current bridge architecturally and historically valuable. A petition against the demolition has been created. The fate of the bridge was also addressed by the Ministry of Culture, which did not declare it a heritage site.

Since the bridge was put into operation in 1928, its load-bearing structure has never been repaired. The authors of the Libeň Bridge are architect Pavel Janák and designer František Mencl.