The residents symbolically opened the new Tyrš Bridge for 120 million

The new form of the bridge was born in great pain.

Přerov - Today, the new Tyršův bridge was symbolically opened in Přerov with a flyover by military helicopters. The construction, costing 120 million crowns, is one of the largest investments in the city in recent years, and it once again connects both banks of the Bečva River near the city center after several months. The face of the bridge was designed by academic architect Alena Šrámková. It features concrete trees and a massive bison, among other elements. The city hall opened the bridge on the exact day that its predecessor was blown up by the Nazis 67 years ago. Thousands of residents did not miss the festive opening.
     The bridge spanning the Bečva, located where the original bridge from 1903 stood, has been under construction since August 2010. The construction faced difficulties as well. "The new form of the bridge was born in great pain," recalled Mayor Jiří Lajtoch (ČSSD) today. Its realization was accompanied by protests from preservationists and ornithologists. The builders also had to deal with complications. During the construction, they encountered an unexpected number of wooden piles and remnants of the old bridge in the riverbed, which delayed the construction process. However, they ultimately met the deadline.
     The dominant feature of the bridge is a bronze statue of a bison with a ring in its nostrils, which originates from the heraldry of the city coat of arms and symbolizes energy and confidence. Accompanying the bison on the bridge is a statue of a bird, symbolizing freedom and openness, as well as three concrete trees. Architect Šrámková is satisfied with the final form. "A Czech tradition since the Baroque period has been to have bridges with sculptures throughout the landscape; it is a Czech specialty and it is beautiful. We wanted to evoke a time when people strolled across the bridge without rushing to the other side. History and tradition were my inspiration,” she told ČTK. She also views the mixed reactions from some residents of Přerov, who do not like the bridge's decorative elements crafted by her daughter-in-law, sculptor Ivana Šrámková, with humor. "If it were banal, no one would have reacted. Ivana came up with the concrete trees herself, and I was thrilled by them. The bridge represents birds, mammals, and plants," pointed out Alena Šrámková.
     The original Tyršův bridge, which was destroyed by the German army at the end of World War II, was built in 1903. In 1964, it was replaced by a footbridge, which no longer met aesthetic standards or the technical state. The new bridge will eventually be one-way for traffic, but in extraordinary situations, two-way traffic will be permitted. It is 12.5 meters wide and the length of the span is 71.5 meters. The new construction also has one peculiarity. At the request of ornithologists, 12 artificial swallow nests were created on the underside of the structure.
     The construction has not only brought a new connection between the banks of the Bečva to Přerov but has also revealed some of the history of the city. Archaeologists found the foundations of the Renaissance church of St. Mark in the southern forefield areas. This sacred structure is significant as it was associated with notable figures from the local Unity of Brethren, including Jan Amos Comenius. Experts aim to get the find listed as a cultural heritage site.