The magistrate announced a competition for the company that will repair the Charles Bridge

Prague - The Prague City Hall has announced a tender for a company that will repair the Charles Bridge. According to the announcement on www.praha-mesto.cz, construction work could begin next March. The bridge deck will be reconstructed. The costs are estimated to be 104.2 million crowns without value-added tax.
    The Charles Bridge is set to receive new waterproof insulation to prevent the masonry from cracking due to water infiltration. It will also have improved ventilation. There are plans for the translation of stone railing blocks and new installations. Work will be conducted only on certain sections of the bridge to maintain pedestrian access. The construction site will be located on the river to avoid burdening traffic on the bridge.
    The reconstruction of one of Prague's most significant monuments has been postponed several times. Initially, it was expected that construction work would start in July, then the date was moved to August or September. Now, the start of repairs is expected in the spring.
    Construction companies can submit bids for this exclusive contract until mid-January. Price will carry half the weight in their evaluation, and warranty will be another important criterion. Conversely, the duration of the repair will only carry a weight of five percent. City hall representatives have previously emphasized that they prefer quality over speed.
    A suitable sandstone is still being sought, which will be needed in the next phase of the reconstruction. Jiří Toman, the director of the city hall's urban investor department, told ČTK today that two of the eight selected deposits look promising. The material should match the sandstone used during the Gothic period. However, it must also meet various engineering requirements to endure. The city hall is expected to receive expert analyses of the deposits by the end of the year.