The historic railway bridge in Prague-Výtoň is to be preserved. Following expert recommendations, Transport Minister Martin Kupka has opted for a full renovation at its original location. During the works, a temporary structure will maintain rail traffic.
The decision has been made: the historic bridge in Prague-Výtoň will not be demolished but will undergo a complete refurbishment on its existing site. Minister Kupka announced that his decision was based on a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and recommendations from the National Heritage Institute as well as other professional bodies.
The Railway Administration (Správa železnic) plans to dismantle the riveted steel structure, dating from 1901, within the next three years and move it to a suitable site for thorough restoration. In the meantime, a temporary structure will be built to ensure that rail services continue during the construction period.
The HIA also recommends closer coordination of future planning with other development projects on both sides of the Vltava and a redesign of Výtoň station. A key element of the process should be the active involvement of experts, institutions, and the public.
Jiří Svoboda, Director General of Správa železnic, confirmed that a temporary auxiliary structure will be essential: “Regardless of the chosen renovation method, the existing bridge must be dismantled. At the same time, we need to ensure reduced but continuous rail operations during the works.”
At present, trains are only permitted to cross the bridge at 20 km/h, and just one track is in use. The diversion via the temporary structure is therefore not expected to cause further restrictions.
