The Negrelli Viaduct will open on Monday, it's the first section to the airport

Prague - The three-year reconstruction of the Negrelli Viaduct in Prague is nearly complete, with final finishing works taking place over the weekend. Trains will begin running on the viaduct from Monday. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) stated this after today’s site inspection. The historic viaduct is the first completed section of the planned railway to the airport, with more sections set to begin construction in two years.

"Thanks to the fact that the reconstruction of the viaduct was carried out with maximum use of original materials and technologies, its heritage value has been preserved. At the same time, however, the track has undergone significant modernization and can become part of the rapid transit line to Kladno with a branch to Prague Airport," said Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček (for ANO).

The reconstruction of the 19th-century structure was delayed by about six months compared to original plans, due to the worse condition of the viaduct than initially anticipated. This also resulted in a half-billion increase in the cost of construction, with the total costs amounting to 1.96 billion crowns.

During the reconstruction, 100 brick, sandstone, and granite arches were repaired, eight of which cross the Vltava River. A total of 19 arches had to be completely dismantled and reassembled. The track bed and superstructure were also modernized, allowing for an increase in track speed from 40 km/h to 60 km/h and enabling smoother and safer operation. The track can now accommodate up to 14 pairs of trains per hour. Bridge structures were also replaced in some areas. The track has also been equipped with noise barriers and security systems.

From Monday, passenger and express services from Prague to Kladno and Čerčany will operate over the viaduct. The Railway Administration plans to present the viaduct to the public on September 1. In the future, spaces under the arches are expected to be revived, with cafes and studios being created. The Prague City Hall intends to apply for a zoning decision this summer for the modification of the area around the Negrelli Viaduct in Karlín. Construction work is expected to begin in two years.

The Negrelli Viaduct will be part of the line from the center of Prague to Václav Havel Airport. Additional sections are set to begin construction in two years, with the reconstruction of Masaryk Station starting first. The planned line is divided into seven sections. It should be completed by 2028 and cost over 31 billion crowns in total.

The Negrelli Viaduct is the first railway bridge in Prague crossing the Vltava River and the second oldest standing bridge in Prague. It connects Masaryk Station across Štvanice Island with Bubny. The 1,100-meter-long structure, which was put into operation in early June 1850, is a protected monument. It is named after its builder, Alois Negrelli.