TSK is looking for designers for the preparation of the reconstruction of the Legie Bridge

Prague – The Prague Technical Road Administration (TSK) has announced a tender with an estimated value of 55 million crowns excluding VAT for the development of a reconstruction project for the Legion Bridge and adjustments to both its abutments. This is evident from information published in the public procurement bulletin. According to a several years old diagnosis, the main problem with the bridge is the non-functional waterproofing layer, which allows water to seep into the structure. The Legion Bridge connects the National Boulevard with Újezd and Malá Strana across the Střelecký Island.

The planned reconstruction will, according to the tender specifications, include the rehabilitation of the load-bearing structure, replacement of the non-functional waterproofing layer on the arches of the bridge, rerouting of utility networks, reconstruction of the tram tracks, and adjustments to adjacent public spaces on both banks of the Vltava River. The estimated costs of the reconstruction are between 900 million and 1.3 billion crowns excluding VAT, according to the document.

Adjustments on the right bank of the river will also include the intersection near the National Theatre and on the left the Vítězná and part of Újezd Street. The City Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) previously prepared a conceptual study of adjustments to the bridge and its surroundings, which considers revisions to both abutments. According to the study, cars should either travel in one or both directions on the tram tracks on the bridge, although a decision on the option has not yet been made.

In 2018 and 2019, the TSK conducted a detailed diagnostic survey of the Legion Bridge, according to which it is rated five on a seven-point scale, where seven indicates a critical state. This means it is poor but relatively easily rectifiable condition. According to experts, the main issue with the bridge is poor insulation, which allows water to damage its structure. The masonry of granite blocks and stones, on the other hand, is in good condition. Since the diagnosis was conducted, the organization has also continuously monitored the bridge with experts.

The Legion Bridge is the fourth oldest bridge in Prague, dating back to 1901. According to earlier information, several other bridges across the Vltava are in similar condition, and reconstruction is planned for Mánes Bridge, Hlávka Bridge, or Palacký Bridge, for example. The city has also recently started the second phase of last year's ongoing reconstruction of the Barrandov Bridge, and the main work on the reconstruction of the Libeň Bridge is expected to begin next year.