The Liberec Region is preparing a project for the restoration of the monument-protected bridge in Poniklá

Poniklá - The Liberec Region is preparing a project for the reconstruction of the stone arch bridge over the Jizera River in Poniklá in the Semily District. Jan Sviták (Mayors for the Liberec Region), the deputy governor, said this to ČTK today. The region originally wanted to demolish the "Na Mejtě" bridge from the second half of the 19th century due to its poor condition and replace it with a concrete one. Work began last July, but just a few days later, the region halted it after discussions with experts, and traffic has been allowed over the bridge again since August. In September last year, the Ministry of Culture declared the bridge a cultural monument.

The bridge is part of the second-class regional road 290, which connects it to the main route 14. It needs repair, as regular inspections have revealed longitudinal cracks in the stone arch in all fields. Due to long-term leakages into the bridge, there is also widespread degradation of the arch's stone. "We already have the stance of the conservationists on how to proceed further, and based on that, we are starting to develop the project. Once the work procedure is clear, we will initiate a tender. I think it will take at least another two years. But the current condition allows normal transit," Sviták added.

The stone bridge in Poniklá was built between 1875 and 1895 as part of the imperial road connecting the Silesian road with Harrachov. It has been preserved, including its historical structure. The Ministry of Culture received a request to declare the bridge in Poniklá a monument from a private individual three years ago. However, it was only declared a monument last year based on the agreement of the Liberec Region as the owner.

According to the ministry, the bridge is a valuable object from a heritage point of view, with indisputable historical and technical value. The stone arched bridge over the Jizera River in Poniklá is a significant testament to the historical development of transport routes and bridge construction in the Habsburg monarchy, technical development, and the way of life in the region, as well as the creative abilities and work of people, and an integral part of the history of the village of Poniklá.

In the Liberec Region, according to Governor Martin Půta (Mayors for the Liberec Region), this is not the only historical bridge that the region has decided to save. According to original plans, the stone bridge on road 268 in Zákupy was also supposed to be demolished. "We are looking for ways to save the original bridge; I believe it is worth it with the restrictions currently in place," Půta added. This bridge is also in very poor condition, which is why it is narrowed, and traffic over it is only allowed in one lane.