The second stage of the reconstruction of the Barrandov Bridge in Prague, the busiest transport structure in the Czech Republic, will begin on May 15 and should end on August 14. However, Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) did not rule out on Tuesday that the work could be extended until the end of the second summer month. Drivers will have to deal with restrictions on the Barrandov Bridge already this weekend when traffic signs will be installed. Repair work will close one traffic lane in each direction from mid-May, leaving three lanes open.
The ramp from K Barrandovu Street will also be closed from noon on Saturday. It is used by more cars than the Strakonická ramp, which closed last year. Therefore, Hřib expects a more significant repair impact on Prague’s traffic than during the first phase. He called on drivers to be patient.
“This most important and busiest transport structure in the Czech Republic, which is crossed by up to 140,000 cars daily, requires a significant adjustment. It will burden traffic, and drivers must consider that,” said Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS).
Detours will be directed to the Prague Ring Road, where cars can travel without a highway toll sticker. They will pass through the Lochkovský tunnel along Strakonická Street to the Barrandov Bridge and the Southern Link. For more distant destinations such as Modřany, Kamýk, or Chodov, it will be possible to continue on the D0 ring road to the Písnice exit, which will be open during the reconstruction, and then to the center via Libušská Street or continue on D0 to the Vestec exit. It is also possible to reach the D1 highway and head to the city center via Brněnská and 5—května streets.
Hřib recommended using navigation systems that automatically provide information about the current traffic situation in the city. He also advised using public transportation since Strakonická has dedicated bus lanes, allowing buses to travel smoothly. He urged drivers to avoid the Barrandov Bridge or plan their trip outside peak hours.
Jozef Sinčák, CEO of the Technical Road Administration, assured that the preparation for the work was proceeding according to plan. “Handling the first few days is crucial,” he said. He admitted that he feared rain, which would cause even greater traffic jams. The reconstruction will bring significant changes in the traffic in the city, and drivers should prepare for a difficult few months ahead.