The inspection of Hlávkův bridge has been completed, TSK will evaluate the data within a week

photo: www.socharstvi.info

Prague - The Technical Road Administration (TSK) today completed a two-day measurement of the statics of Prague's Hlávkův Bridge, which is in poor technical condition. The preventive inspection was initiated after the recent collapse of the Troja footbridge, and the collected data will assist in the preparation of planned repairs of the bridge. TSK spokesperson Barbora Lišková informed ČTK about the completion of the measurements. The collected data should be evaluated within a week.

The measurements on the bridge, which connects New Town across Štvanice Island with Holešovice, complicated traffic. One lane was closed in each direction, causing traffic jams on the main road. After noon today, traffic on the bridge returned to normal.

The original structure of the bridge dates back to around 1914, and a new addition was built in the 1960s. According to Lišková, both structures are connected in the transverse direction by about two hundred transitional reinforced concrete slabs. During the measurement, the slabs were loaded with a tram train and a fully loaded truck. Movements were subsequently measured by sensors from the underside of the slabs below the bridge. The collected data will be evaluated within a week, the spokesperson added.

TSK had planned the measurement of Hlávkův Bridge earlier, but hastened it due to the situation with the Troja footbridge. The footbridge over the Vltava River connecting Císařský Island with Troja collapsed a week ago, injuring four people, two of whom were seriously injured. The cause of the collapse is still unknown.

According to Lišková, TSK does not expect any surprising results from the measurements on Hlávkův Bridge, as the last tests were conducted last year. The results of the new measurements will be used to prepare the project documentation for the repair of the bridge complex and to obtain a construction permit. The reconstruction must also be discussed with heritage officials, as the bridges are historically protected.