The final phase of the multi-year reconstruction of the Barrandov Bridge began on Monday. The closure of the access ramp from Strakonická and the repair of the northern part of the bridge is expected to complicate traffic in the city until August.
On the first day of repair, queues formed on the access roads and detour routes, causing drivers to expect significant delays. The closure of the access ramp from Strakonická causes the most important complication. Drivers heading from there to the other side of the Vltava have to turn around at the return ramp at Lihovar. In the morning, a queue formed on Strakonická, almost reaching the Lahovice Bridge.
It will be revealed in the coming days to what extent the usually heavy Monday traffic caused the traffic complications. On the South Link, a disjointed queue heading towards the Barrandov Bridge was formed intermittently from the level of the exit to Krč.
Throughout the reconstruction, traffic on the bridge will be limited to three lanes in each direction instead of the usual four. During the repair, cars will drive on the already repaired part or be diverted in the opposite direction.
Over the weekend, preparatory work, including the installation of traffic signs and partial restrictions, took place on the bridge. As in previous years, vehicles from the towing service and a gritter are prepared on the bridge in case of a sudden change in weather.
The bridge, used by around 140,000 cars daily, began repairs in 2021 with the reconstruction of the lower structures. The deck and access ramps were repaired in the previous two years, accompanied by traffic restrictions. Despite fears of a traffic collapse in the metropolis, both phases of repairs went without significant complications.