There are objections to the demolition of the bridge from 1924 in Velké Meziříčí

Velké Meziříčí - Local heritage conservationists and a local initiative have raised objections regarding the planned reconstruction of the bridge over the Balinka River in Velké Meziříčí. The bridge, with its distinctive concrete arches from 1924, is located at the entrance to the city’s heritage site. The city plans to replace it this year with a wider bridge, and the closure for reconstruction is set to begin in Třebíčská Street on Thursday, according to the city’s website.

The civic initiative Za Náměstí VM sent a request to the regional office this week for a preliminary measure prohibiting any construction work until the review process by the regional transport department is completed.

"I can confirm that we have received a request regarding this matter. We will address it," said regional spokesperson Jitka Svatošová today to ČTK. She stated that she could not provide more specifics. "In cases of administrative proceedings, the law does not allow us to comment on their course," she added.

The bridge carries a municipal road. According to Mayor Josef Komínek (ČSSD), the reconstruction will cost around 20 million crowns. He justified the bridge's reconstruction by stating that it is narrow and not in the best condition. ČTK was unable to obtain a statement from him today.

Heritage conservationists commented on the bridge’s reconstruction last November. "The presented proposal anticipated the removal of the existing bridge and its replacement with a new one," said Ilona Ampapová from the Telč office of the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) to ČTK. The conservationists specified that if the bridge is located in a heritage zone, it should be reconstructed, or a replica should be created in its place, which would allow for the widening of the roadway.

According to NPÚ, the municipal office in Velké Meziříčí nevertheless issued a binding statement that the city-proposed reconstruction is permissible from a heritage preservation perspective. The conservationists requested that this statement be reviewed by the regional office, which currently has a decision from the regional department of culture. "As far as we know, the transport and road management department is still conducting the review process," Ampapová added.

The bridge from 1924, built by the Brno company Ferrobeton, is considered by NPÚ to be a valuable example of transportation construction from the early 20th century. In the Vysočina region, heritage conservationists are aware of only three such reinforced concrete arch bridges. The bridge in Hořepník dates back to 1911, while another in Jimramov was replaced by a replica in 2013.