Hradec Králové will repair the monument-protected Moravian Bridge, construction will limit traffic

Hradec Králové – In Hradec Králové, builders will start the renovation of the heritage-protected Moravian Bridge over the Orlice River near the city center on Monday. The construction, costing 22 million crowns, should be completed by mid-October. From Monday, drivers will have to expect restrictions; only public transport will be allowed to cross the bridge. Only half of the bridge will be opened for pedestrians. Kateřina Šmídová, spokesperson for the city hall, told ČTK today.

The Moravian Bridge, which is 54 meters long, dates back to 1914 and has also included a hydroelectric power plant since 1917. The major renovation, during which builders widened it by nearly three meters, took place between 1993 and 1994.

The upcoming repairs and maintenance of the bridge will be carried out by the Technical Services of Hradec Králové. Workers will restore the surface of the roadway and sidewalks, repair the bridge bearings, and give anti-corrosive coating to the cast-iron railing. The lower part of the bridge will be fitted with nets to deter pigeons.

For the bridge repairs, the city hall will take advantage of the period when a reconstruction of the nearby Fortna intersection into a roundabout is taking place, and traffic in the area is already significantly restricted. The reconstruction of Fortna and the adjacent public transport transfer terminal, costing 53 million crowns, is expected to be completed at the turn of this year and next.

The Fortna intersection has been completely closed to all traffic and pedestrians since April 1. Cars can still cross the bridge for now, but the traffic is significantly lower than before. The area has several secondary schools, a university campus, and a scientific library. The intersection and the bridge also host the district court, barracks, and an ice rink.