The Libeň Bridge in Prague may not be rebuilt, just repaired

Prague - The Libeň Bridge in Prague may not need to be partially demolished and change its appearance during reconstruction. The city is preparing an analysis of the proposed method of repairs. This was stated today by the mayor's deputy Petr Dolínek (ČSSD) at a city council meeting. The long-planned repair of the bridge, costing nearly two billion crowns, will begin in April next year. The work will last approximately two years. Architects and Prague 7 have protested against the planned widening of the bridge. The bridge is in a state of disrepair and traffic on it is restricted.
    "I am currently having an expert analysis prepared. Regarding the final appearance of the bridge's envelope, a change may be prepared here; it is not definitive," Dolínek said. According to him, the reconstruction itself will definitely take place; the question is in what form and whether it will be necessary to change the appearance of the bridge. "In the five years since the repair has been in preparation, a lot has changed," he added.
    The city has been preparing the repair of the bridge for many years. In 2006, the authorities issued the zoning decision, and three years later, the building permit. The Libeň Bridge consists of several parts. The preparation of the complicated project took ten years. In the past, there was also talk of declaring the bridge a national monument. However, the intention was ultimately abandoned. Only last year did the city announce a competition for contractors. The technical administration of communications (TSK), which is responsible for the bridge repair, should preliminarily conclude a contract with the builders this November.
    The original plan for the bridge reconstruction by architect Pavel Janák faced opposition from the Czech Chamber of Architects and the Prague 7 city hall. Their representatives stated that it is more appropriate to talk about the demolition of the bridge rather than its repair. The city hall does not agree with the widening from five to 26 meters.
    According to last year's report by the TSK, the Libeň Bridge is in the worst condition of all Prague bridges. Since it was put into operation in 1928, its load-bearing structure has never been repaired. Due to its very poor condition, access to the bridge for vehicles heavier than 7.5 tons was prohibited in 2009. Additionally, the speed of trams has been reduced to 20 kilometers per hour, and opposite trams are not allowed to meet on the bridge.
    The authors of the Libeň Bridge, which connects Holešovice and Libeň, are architect and cubist Pavel Janák and constructor František Mencl.