Frýdek-Místek will build a third bridge over the Ostravice due to Hyundai

Frýdek-Místek - Frýdek-Místek will build a third bridge over the Ostravice River, which divides the city. The reason is the increase in both road and rail traffic in connection with the Hyundai car plant in Nošovice, said city hall spokesperson Jana Matějíková today. However, hundreds of people are opposed to the construction of the bridge, which is supposed to connect the Frýdek housing estate Riviéra with the village of Staré Město. They are signing a petition because they are bothered, for example, that the construction will affect the recreational zones near the river.
    Plans for the construction of the third bridge, which will run from 28. října street across the Ostravice River to Na Poříčí street, have existed since 1996. The city has now decided to build the new bridge because, according to Matějíková, as the opening of the Hyundai plant approaches, concerns are growing that transport in the city will become even more difficult. The Nošovice car plant wants to start trial production in the fall.
    "The project documentation for the third bridge is nearing completion. It is currently being discussed with owners and managers of utility networks and affected land, and it may still be modified. It is certain that the bridge will be two-lane with sidewalks for pedestrians on both sides and that access for trucks will not be permitted," clarified Deputy Mayor Miroslav Dokoupil. According to him, it should be built in 2010 to 2011. The total costs for building the bridge are estimated by the city hall at 80 million crowns, and the city intends to cover part of the costs with grants.
    Many people are unhappy that the new bridge will disrupt the peaceful zones, which they consider to be Bedřich Smetana Gardens, tennis courts, and the cycling path along the river. Currently, over a hundred petition sheets have accumulated at the city hall, with up to 30 signatures of dissatisfied people on each. According to Matějíková, some people are also protesting against the construction of a new road from Beskydská street to 1. máje street. The road was indeed included in the zoning plan, but according to Matějíková, it will never be built. "I can assure citizens that there will be no road from Beskydská street to 1. máje street. The truth is that the road is shown on the zoning plan, but there has never been any consideration for its realization. That is why we have also requested a change in the zoning plan in this sense," reassured residents head of the transportation department Miroslav Hronovský.
    Frýdek-Místek currently uses two bridges for transport connections across the Ostravice River. One of them is a four-lane bridge, and, according to the city hall, up to 50,000 vehicles pass through it daily. "In the event of a major accident occurring on it, traffic collapses throughout the city," added Matějíková.