Prague is preparing repairs for 30 bridges and footbridges in very poor condition

Prague - The Prague magistrate and the city Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) are preparing renovations of bridges that are in the second-worst category in terms of technical condition. This was stated today by Deputy Mayor for Transport Petr Dolínek (ČSSD) during a council meeting. There are a total of 30 such bridges and footbridges, including large structures like the Libeň, Palacký, and Charles bridges. Repairs on these will take longer, while smaller structures should be completed within two years.

Of the large bridges, the Libeň bridge is in the worst condition, which the city had to close to cars and public transport. A final decision from the Ministry of Culture is now awaited on whether the structure is a cultural monument. Afterwards, the city will decide whether to demolish it and build a new one or to renovate it.

The renovation of the Hlávka Bridge is also being prepared, and in the case of the Palacký Bridge, TSK is finishing the documentation for a comprehensive diagnostics assignment. This year, it will also repair a part of the damaged bridge parapet. For the Charles Bridge, minor repairs are planned this year, while the continuation of repairs to the arches and pillars is in the project preparation phase.

Among the smaller footbridges and bridges in poor condition are, for example, the bridge in Dolní Počernice, near Hostivař Station, in Třebonice, the underpass near the main station, or the unused footbridge at the Dlabačov tram loop. In this case, according to Dolínek, it is unclear whether it will be demolished or renovated. Considering the uniqueness of the footbridge, he leaves the decision to the council.

According to the deputy, TSK is also preparing renovations of bridges in category five out of seven used for assessing technical condition. Category five indicates "poor condition," six "very poor condition," and seven "emergency condition."

The Transport Committee, according to its chairman Matěj Stropnický (Greens/Trojkoalice), approved funding for TSK in the amount of 246 million for repairs for which projects are prepared. According to Dolínek, financing will be discussed at the next council meeting. Stropnický also stated that the committee instructed TSK to create a web application within two months to transfer information about the condition of bridges and the preparation of their repair projects.

Prague has long-standing issues with the condition of its bridges. At the beginning of last December, a pedestrian footbridge between Císařský Island and Troja collapsed. Four people were injured in the accident.