Barrandov Bridge, the busiest road in the Czech Republic, is set to undergo its second phase of reconstruction, which will begin in two weeks. The restrictions will affect significantly more motorists than in the previous phase, as the descent from Barrandov towards the South Link will remain closed over the summer. Up to 145,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

The preliminary reconstruction work will begin on May 15, with traffic engineering measures, such as signage for detours and traffic restrictions, being prepared over the weekend. However, construction work on the Barrandov Bridge without traffic restrictions is already underway.

One of the four lanes in each direction on the bridge will be removed, leaving only three narrow lanes. There will be two continuous lanes and one turning lane in each direction. Drivers must also prepare for another significant restriction – the closure of the heavily-used ramp from Barrandov to the South Link.

The recommended detour for drivers is to take the Lochkov tunnel on the Prague Ring Road and then take Strakonická Street back to the Barrandov Bridge and South Link. In terms of getting from Barrandov across the Vltava River, the ramp from K Barrandovu Street to the Barrandov Bridge will also be closed from May 15.

The Barrandov Bridge is a crucial transportation link for Prague, as it connects the southern part of the city with the central and northern regions. The reconstruction is necessary due to the deterioration of the bridge’s structure, which has reached a critical stage. The bridge, built in the 1970s, has been under reconstruction since 2017.

The first phase of the reconstruction took place between June 2020 and March 2021. The second phase will continue until the end of 2023 and include replacing the bridge’s steel structure. Despite the challenges, officials hope the reconstruction will extend the bridge’s life for another 40-50 years.

Article by Prague Forum