In a significant development for Prague’s transportation infrastructure, the renowned Branický Bridge, also known as the “Bridge of Intelligence,” has initiated a crucial reconstruction and expansion project this week. Managed by the Railway Administration, the project encompasses essential repairs and the addition of a second track—an element originally part of the bridge’s plans but never realized. This expansion is pivotal for increasing the capacity of the Prague railway node.

The reconstruction project, which commenced last summer with the construction of a new track on one side, has now progressed to the removal of the original track on the opposite side. This necessitates a complete halt to traffic on the bridge for the next six months. The construction company aims to have trains operational on the new track by July, with two-way traffic on the Bridge of Intelligence expected to resume in October this year.

Built in 1955 and operational since 1964, the Branický Bridge holds historical significance. The ongoing project focuses on preserving the original arches due to their relatively good condition. Tomáš Wangler, Specialist for Bridges at Metrostav TBR, explained that renovations and maintenance work are being carried out on the arches, while a new bridge deck and a wider slab-bearing bathtub are being constructed to meet modern requirements.

The cost of the comprehensive project is estimated at 2.1 billion CZK, covering the approximately 950-meter-long bridge and an additional connecting track spanning eight kilometers. Jana Dehner from the Railway Administration highlighted that the second track is being laid from the Chuchle tunnel to the junction toward Vršovice and Zahradní Město.

The “Bridge of Intelligence” earned its colloquial name due to the involvement of educated individuals, compelled by the communist regime to take up manual and auxiliary professions, in its construction during the 1950s. The ongoing reconstruction not only preserves this iconic structure but also serves as a crucial step toward modernizing Prague’s railway network, enhancing capacity, and ensuring the continued efficiency of the transportation system in the Czech capital.

Article by Prague Forum