In a concerning development for Prague’s historic infrastructure, the first cracks have been detected in the main structure of the railway bridge at Výtoň. This revelation comes from David Gavenda, spokesperson for the Railway Administration (SŽ), who assured that no immediate traffic restrictions are necessary.
The bridge’s fate has become a point of contention. While the SŽ advocates for replacing the current structure with a new one, local associations and municipal authorities are pushing for renovation to preserve its original appearance. The deteriorating condition of the bridge has already led to some traffic limitations.
Pavel Ryjáček, a member of the bridge’s monitoring council from the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT), stated that the main bridge structure’s condition is worsening faster than anticipated. Further potential restrictions will be announced by the end of this year.
Despite these concerns, Gavenda explained that additional traffic restrictions are not immediately necessary. This is partly due to the ongoing reconstruction of Smíchov railway station, which will result in fewer trains using the bridge by the end of the year.
Looking ahead, the SŽ is currently seeking designers for a new structure to replace the existing bridge. The administration plans to carry out the work between 2027 and 2029, with an estimated cost of 3.4 billion crowns. The current heritage-protected structure is slated to be relocated upstream on the Vltava River, between Modřany and Velká Chuchle, where it would serve as a footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists.
This plan, however, faces long-term criticism from conservationists, the “Don’t Demolish” association, and the Czech National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).