In Týn nad Vltavou, there will be a lifting bridge, and even steamers will pass underneath it

Týn nad Vltavou - The Iron Bridge in Týn nad Vltavou, which is low and obstructs the full navigation of the Vltava River, is set to undergo reconstruction - after which it will be possible to partially raise it. Steamboats will also be able to pass underneath, with a clearance height for boats of 5.25 meters. The decision was made today by the town councilors.

An investment of 150 million CZK will be covered by the Directorate of Waterways (ŘVC), and the town will pay 34 million for the modifications of the park and surrounding area, said mayor Milan Šnorek (ODS) to ČTK. According to ŘVC spokesperson Jan Bukovský, construction will begin no earlier than 2020; Nina Větrovská from ŘVC stated at today’s meeting that the work would take a year. Sixteen councilors voted for the proposal to make the bridge partially foldable, while four abstained. The reconstruction of the bridge into a foldable design is in the project study phase.

The bridge, built in 1892 and classified as a technical monument, will be completely reconstructed. "One half will be hydraulically lifted closer to the other side, and lifting equipment will be installed into the pillars. The bridge will remain in exactly the same appearance. It applies to a certain percentage of boats since we have navigation here in the first year. This concerns only large sightseeing steamboats, which are not currently in operation, but may appear," Šnorek told ČTK.

ŔVC spokesman Bukovský told ČTK today that construction will begin no earlier than 2020 and that costs will be 125 million. "It is definitely positive that the councilors favored a solution that we consider feasible; for reasonable costs, it will ensure both quality navigation operations at full parameters of the waterway and the reconstruction of the technical monument," he stated.

The bridge will continue to belong to the town and serve not only pedestrians but also vehicles up to 3.5 tons. In order for steamboats to pass under it, it should be raised no more than twice a day. This option is also favored by conservationists according to the mayor, because the bridge will remain unchanged. On September 5th, a majority of the more than 100 local residents present at the public meeting expressed their support for the bridge’s repair and its retention in its location, according to Šnorek. A civil association called Iron Bridge was formed earlier, and a petition to preserve the bridge in the same location was signed by around 1,000 people.

In 2009, councilors approved a different option, with costs estimated at 247 million, of which Týn would pay 103 million, and according to Šnorek, there would have been a need to freeze large investments for the next four years. This variant considered that a new bridge for vehicles up to 3.5 tons would be built in place of the current iron bridge, while the existing bridge would be repaired and moved upstream along the Vltava River a bit further, next to the historical salt warehouse. No one is currently advocating for this option. The eight-thousand-strong town of Týn is operating this year with a balanced budget of 158 million CZK.

Director of the ŘVC Lubomír Fojtů stated at one of the previous meetings that technically the bridge is in poor condition, and that the repairs would allow it to be preserved at its location and would significantly extend its lifespan. ŘVC plans to build a docking station and service center in Týn nad Vltavou and is considering further investments that would allow the navigation of cabin cruise ships that are 5 meters high and 45 meters long, which according to Fojtů could mean more tourists for the town.