The construction of the bridge at Trojmezí is dependent on obtaining a European grant

Hrádek nad Nisou (Liberec Region) – The construction of a Czech-Polish-German bridge in the Three Countries area near Hrádek nad Nisou in the Liberec Region depends on obtaining a European grant. The project is prepared and building permits have been issued, said Hrádek nad Nisou Mayor Josef Horinka to ČTK. Designers estimate the costs of building the bridge and accompanying infrastructure, including a bike path, at 70 million crowns.

According to him, the grant application is being made from the Polish-Saxon program, but the chances of success are not very high. It is more probable that funding will be secured in the next programming period. According to Horinka, it is not very realistic for the border municipalities to build the bridge without a grant. "Moreover, assistance from the European Union would be justified for this project. It should symbolically connect the three countries," added the mayor.

Talks about the construction of a joint bridge at the Three Countries point began back in 2004, coinciding with the accession of the Czech Republic and Poland to the Schengen Area. On that occasion, a wooden bridge was built over the Oldřichovský Stream near Hrádek, connecting the Czech and Polish sides. The plan was for it to be replaced within two years by a new bridge that would connect all three countries. Symbolically, its three branches leading from each country should meet in the middle of the Nisa River. However, construction has yet to begin.

Today, an anniversary celebration of 15 years of cross-border cooperation is being held at the Three Countries. "Many residents, not just from our town but from across the country, believe that the union is not beneficial for us. I can responsibly say that if Hrádek had not drawn from European support and grant funds, it would never be where it is now," said Horinka. According to him, hundreds of millions have been invested in the eight-thousand-strong town. A new road to the border has been built, and in recent years, the municipality has carried out the largest projects in its modern history. The city primarily constructed a multifunctional center for 45 million crowns and revitalized the square for 68 million crowns. Currently, the historically protected Schubert Villa is being reconstructed for 40 million crowns. This valuable structure from 1924, which previously served as a nursery, is being converted by the town into a community center. With the help of European grants, according to Horinka, improvements have also been made to equipment for firefighters.