The Hranice Viaducts have been added to the list of cultural heritage sites

Hranice (Přerovsko) - Three railway viaducts near Hranice on the line from Přerov to Lipník nad Bečvou have become a cultural monument. The decision was made by the Ministry of Culture at the suggestion of conservationists from Ostrava. The viaducts received definitive protection after part of them was considered for demolition by Czech Railways (ČD) due to their deteriorating condition.
    According to Iva Orálková from the Olomouc office of the National Heritage Institute, the Hranice viaducts are a technically demanding and significant construction and are among the foremost railway bridge constructions preserved in their authentic form.
    "The fact that the trio of viaducts from different phases of the development of railway transport illustrates the evolution of transport construction in the region and suitably complements the landscape also contributed to their listing as monuments," Orálková stated.
    The declaration of the monuments may have saved the viaducts from extinction. ČD informed about the intention to demolish part of the railway bridge in February, justifying it by stating that the brick part of the viaducts is deteriorating and falling masonry poses a danger to passersby. The information caused considerable uproar among the residents. The Hranice town hall responded by writing a letter to the Minister of Culture requesting assistance. "We are certainly glad that it turned out this way. It is a landmark of the city, and we believe it has historical value and definitely belongs on that list," said Deputy Mayor Radka Ondriášová today to ČTK.
    The Hranice viaducts consist of a brick viaduct constructed in 1846, which is 448.5 meters long and stands on 32 semi-circular arches. There is also a stone viaduct from 1873, which is 426.5 meters long with 32 arches, and a reinforced concrete viaduct from 1939, measuring 434.5 meters long and standing on 30 arches.