The decision to keep the renowned Libeň Bridge open, spanning the Vltava River in Prague, comes as a relief to city commuters amidst significant issues surrounding the neighboring flood bridge in Libeň. The announcement of the flood bridge’s closure eleven days ago due to cracks in its joints raised concerns about potential disruptions to vital transportation routes. However, the confirmation of the Libeň Bridge’s continued operation mitigates fears of widespread inconvenience.

The closure of the flood bridge was prompted by the discovery of structural defects during an inspection conducted in response to concerns arising from low temperatures. The assessment, carried out by a designer well-versed in the structure’s intricacies, revealed the urgent need for remedial action.

While the designer proposed several provisional support systems for the flood bridge, including alternative placements of braces and filling the space under the arch with concrete, no definitive decision has been reached yet. Josef Richtr, from the city company’s management, highlighted the financial and time-consuming nature of these proposed solutions, indicating the complexity of the decision-making process.

Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib advocated for the demolition of the flood bridge, emphasizing the impracticality of temporary measures. However, with the flood bridge slated for another inspection, the city faces mounting pressure to devise a viable solution that balances cost-effectiveness and urgency.

The impending replacement of the current flood bridge with a lighter construction, part of a broader reconstruction project for Prague 8’s co-bridge, underscores the inevitability of demolition. However, the unexpected closure has accelerated the timeline, posing challenges for the city’s transportation infrastructure.

The prospect of a multi-year suspension of trams between Holešovice and Libeň looms if the flood bridge remains unsupported while awaiting construction of its replacement. Such a scenario would have far-reaching implications for Prague’s public transportation system and the daily routines of its citizens, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for prompt, decisive action.

Article by Prague Forum