The repair of the Barrandov Bridge has so far become more expensive by 43 million crowns.

Prague – The reconstruction of the Barrandov Bridge in Prague has reportedly become more expensive by 43 million crowns due to the use of an originally unplanned ultra-high-performance concrete, according to estimates. Adam Scheinherr, the deputy mayor of Prague, stated this at today’s meeting of the city councilors. The repairs were originally expected to cost a total of 594.5 million crowns over several years. The increase in costs and delays in this year's repairs were criticized by opposition councilors, who unsuccessfully proposed to review the process through an expert assessment.

During the work, workers found a thicker layer of asphalt on the bridge than anticipated. Instead of a part of the original layer, the workers laid down modern concrete reinforced with steel wires at the city's instruction. According to Scheinherr, this type of concrete is being used for the first time in the reconstruction of a bridge in the Czech Republic and will extend the bridge's lifespan by several decades.

The current phase of repairs began in mid-May and was originally supposed to end on September 2. However, due to the aforementioned adjustments, the completion has been delayed by 27 days. Additionally, issues arose during the concrete laying process when part of the area did not properly adhere to the substrate and needs to be redone. According to Lukáš Vráblík from the Czech Technical University, who collaborates with the city on the repair project, this concerns only a few dozen meters out of a total of 4,500 square meters of the concreted area.

Opposition councilors Martin Sedeke and Ondřej Martan (both ODS) proposed a resolution that the city should review the process and its benefits through an assessment. According to them, the City Hall and TSK neglected the project preparation. Scheinherr stated that he does not consider a new assessment necessary, as the process was correct. He said that the city could have only replaced the asphalt in the original layer and thus met the schedule and initial costs, but chose a higher quality path.

"I want us to show a change that we are not just going for political points, but that we are aiming to put the best technologies and materials into construction," the deputy stated.

The estimated amount of 43 million crowns corresponds to about 18 percent of the reserve that the city can draw from for the additional work according to the contract, according to the deputy. "This is merely an estimate, which we will verify," he added. In light of unforeseen circumstances, the construction company Porr, which is carrying out the work, will not pay any penalties for the delay in work.

The Barrandov Bridge, built in 1983, is part of the city ring road. It is crossed by over 140,000 cars daily, making it the busiest roadway in Prague. Last year, the Technical Administration of Communications, responsible for its reconstruction, repaired the lower parts of the structure, which did not require traffic restrictions. Starting this year, over four construction seasons, workers began work on the upper part, which will bring traffic restrictions for drivers during the construction period each year.