Prague road workers will begin the demolition of the closed section of the Libeň Bridge

Prague - Today, Prague road workers will begin demolition work on the closed section of the Libeň Bridge closer to Palmovka. The so-called flood bridge is in a state of emergency and cars, trams, as well as pedestrians and cyclists are not allowed on it. Access to the bridge has been closed since January of this year. On Saturday, February 17, the public transport company (DPP) temporarily restored tram service on part of the bridge over the river, but the section of the bridge towards Palmovka remained inaccessible.

The so-called flood bridge serves as preventive protection against floods, standing on the bank, and during floods, water can flow beneath it. The part of the bridge over the Vltava is not in a state of emergency and does not need to be closed. The Libeň Bridge, constructed in 1928 by significant architect of Czech modernism Pavel Janák, has never been repaired.

Experts concluded that they do not recommend resuming operations on the flood bridge and simultaneously supported its demolition. They discovered defects at the top joint. The joints ensure the transfer of forces from the bridge structure to the supports and pillars. The experts proposed demolition after examining several options to save the current structure, but none proved to be suitable.

The Libeň Bridge complex consists of six bridges, built by builders according to Janák's design in 1928. Janák is also the author of part of the nearby Hlávka Bridge, several villas in Štreshovice, as well as Škodův Palace and Hotel Juliš in Prague 1.