The demolition of the closed section of the Libeň Bridge will begin at the turn of April and May

photo: IPR Prague

Prague - Road workers will begin demolishing the now-closed section of the Prague Libeň Bridge closer to Palmovka at the turn of April and May this year. By the end of February, utility networks will be relocated, and they will also start removing tram tracks in this section. This was announced today at a meeting of the transport committee of the Prague magistrate by Jiří Hájek, the deputy director of the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK). On Saturday, February 17, the public transport company (DPP) temporarily restored tram service on a part of the bridge over the river, while the part of the complex towards Palmovka remains closed.

The so-called flood protection bridge, which will be demolished, serves as a preventive measure against flooding, standing on the riverbank, allowing water to flow beneath it during floods. The part of the bridge over the Vltava River is not in an emergency state and does not need to be closed. The Libeň Bridge, built in 1928 by the prominent architect of Czech modernism, Pavel Janák, has never been repaired.

"Demolition procedures are being initiated. By the end of February, that is next week, all utility networks will be relocated," Hájek said.

In the coming days, road workers will dismantle the traction system from the flood protection bridge, and workers will start removing tram tracks in this section of the complex. "We expect work on the removal of the (flood protection) bridge to begin at the turn of April and May," added Hájek.

Experts concluded this January that they do not recommend restoring service on the flood protection bridge and simultaneously recommended its demolition. Due to a defect caused by frost, TSK closed the flood protection bridge to trams, pedestrians, and cyclists in mid-January. Experts discovered defects in the top joint. The joints ensure the transfer of forces from the bridge structure to the supports and pillars.

DPP built a temporary tram stop with a turnaround at the intersection with a ramp down to U Libeňského mostu street and an exit at the intersection with a ramp down to Štorchova street.

The Libeň complex consists of six bridges, built according to Janák's design in 1928. Janák is also the author of part of the nearby Hlávkův Bridge, several villas in Střešovice, and Škodův Palace or Hotel Juliš in Prague 1.