Přerov will probably begin the construction of the new Tyrš Bridge after years of preparation

PREOV - The leadership of Preov is set to begin construction of the new Tyrš Bridge after years of preparation, which will connect the banks of the Bečva River in the city center. Councilors have decided to prioritize the variant chosen by a panel of experts years ago. However, ornithologists are protesting against this version. They are concerned that birds will be killed by the steel cables of the bridge. City representatives have estimated the cost of the bridge at 50 million crowns.
"The council recommended that the development department create project documentation for the Tyrš Bridge. We respected the results of the architectural-urban competition from the turn of 2003 and 2004. It is a fundamental investment project that affects the appearance of the city center. Therefore, it will be addressed by the councilors in February," said Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Boháč (ODS) to reporters today.
However, the proposed variant by the councilors did not receive the greatest support from the city's residents. In a public survey, people previously preferred the design of the bridge that finished second in the architectural competition. According to the councilors, this is not an obstacle. "It's divided; more conservative citizens lean towards a more traditional design," noted Deputy Mayor Boháč.
Ornithologists disagree with the variant promoted by the council. They worked on a study for about a year, which, according to Jiří Šafránek from the Moravian Ornithological Society, was meant to determine possible impacts on local birdlife. Experts claim that birds will be killed by the steel cables of the bridge. "We stand by our opinion, the study confirmed our concerns," Šafránek told ČTK today. However, the city leadership does not share these concerns and argues that the ornithologists' study was too general and broad.
According to Deputy Mayor Jiří Lajtoch (ČSSD), the city will now apply for a grant or funds from subsidy programs to finance the bridge's construction. Due to the fact that the bridge leads into a protected zone, the city will also have to consult the preparation of the construction with the State Heritage Care.
The new Tyrš Bridge is supposed to replace the existing footbridge over the Bečva River, which is in very poor condition. The city faces the risk of having to close it. According to representatives of Preov, it is not economical to repair the footbridge, so the city council opted for the possibility of building a new bridge instead.