Prague’s Výtoň Bridge to get new lease on life
After drawn-out disputes between the Czech Railway Administration and conservationists over the future of Výtoň Bridge –one of Prague’s iconic landmarks- it has been announced that the bridge will be reconstructed, not replaced. The news has raised a cheer from both heritage experts and the public.
The Výtoň railway bridge, also known as Vyšehrad Bridge, was first opened on 15 August 1872 as a single-track structure. In October 1901 it was replaced by the current double-track bridge, designed by engineer František Prášil, co-author of Prague’s Petřín Lookout Tower and the Industrial Palace.
The bridge is a vital link across the Vltava River for both local and long-distance trains, carrying some 300 trains daily. In addition to trains, it also serves pedestrians via side walkways.
However due to its poor condition, train traffic along the bridge has been heavily restricted in recent years. Only one train is allowed on the bridge at a time, and at a reduced speed of 20km/h.
Plans to have the bridge replaced by a new one parked protests from conservationists and the idea to have it dismantled and moved further down the river to make way for a new bridge fared no better.
Experts consider the bridge a significant technical monument within Prague’s heritage reserve. It was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1992, and declared a cultural monument in December 2004. Not surprisingly, UNESCO also threw its weight behind Prague conservationists.
An advisory team from UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, which visited Prague last December, recommended preserving and restoring the bridge instead of replacing it, stressing the bridge’s importance to Prague’s celebrated river panorama.
On Tuesday Transport Minister Martin Kupka (Spolu) and Railway Administration Director Jiří Svoboda jointly announced that Výtoň Bridge would get a new lease on life. It is to be reconstructed and the Czech Railway Administration will announce an international competition for its reconstruction.
“As we see it, the process of dismantling the bridge could start in 2028 and the structure would be renovated right on the riverbank. During the reconstruction, a temporary single-track structure would be erected in its place- so as to enable trains to cross –until the original bridge is fully restored,” Svoboda said.
The Vyšehrad Bridge Foundation has been one of the most vocal defenders of the bridge.
Its spokesman Jan Havlíček said he was delighted by the news that Výtoň Bridge will be preserved.
“The railway bridge at Vyšehrad is an iconic Prague landmark and a monument to an important era of Czech industrial growth. The people of Prague are fond of it. The decision to renovate it is extremely important to us, and we welcome it. In addition to its historical value, the renovation will not only be cheaper, but also faster than building a new bridge from scratch.”
