The Prague TSK announced a tender for the project of repairing the Libeň Bridge

Prague - The Prague Technical Road Administration (TSK) has announced a tender for the project to repair the Libeň Bridge. The creation of the documentation is estimated to cost a maximum of 42 million CZK. This follows from a document published in the public procurement bulletin. The Prague leadership selected a variant at the end of April that involves strengthening, not replacing, the existing structure. It is the second cheapest of four proposed options, with an estimated cost of 476.9 million CZK according to the Klokner Institute of CTU. Repairs to the foundations and pillars are expected to start this year, with work on the bridge deck scheduled for the end of 2021.

The Libeň Bridge, built in 1928, is in a state of emergency and has never been repaired. The previous leadership of Prague advocated for its demolition, but the current one decided on its repair.

The selected company will prepare project documentation for the TSK and the city for the complete repair of the bridge, which will serve for zoning proceedings, including discussions on changes to the zoning decision. The document will also be used to obtain a building permit or as a basis for selecting a contractor. Interested parties can submit their bids until June 27.

The city leadership based its decision on the assessment of repair options prepared by the Klokner Institute. The chosen option is the second least invasive and the second cheapest. The option with the lowest costs—about 367.4 million CZK—preserved the arches in their existing form. The most expensive option at 586 million CZK proposed demolishing a significant part of the bridge arches and replacing the arch, which would extend the bridge's lifespan to over 75 years.

The chosen option will increase the structure's lifespan by at least fifty years. The solution mainly involves replacing the approach structures to the bridge, which are in poor condition due to corrosion, and strengthening the arch part. According to the Klokner Institute's conclusions, this is a compromise solution in terms of costs, required closure time of the bridge, and traffic capacity. The repaired structure will be capable of bearing bidirectional tram traffic, as well as passenger cars and trucks of up to 32 tons.

Prague has long had problems with the condition of its bridges. In early December 2017, a footbridge collapsed between Císařský Island and Troja. Four people were injured in the accident. Prague is also addressing the repair of the Hlávka Bridge, which is currently being examined by experts. The Palackého Bridge is also in poor condition, and the repair of the Barrandov Bridge is being prepared.