Prague to build underpass as part of Libeň bridge reconstruction near Palmovka

Prague to Build Underpass as Part of Libeň Bridge Reconstruction Near Palmovka

Prague will build a new pedestrian underpass beneath the reconstructed section of the Libeň Bridge near Palmovka, connecting to Vojenova Street. The city council approved the proposal and tasked the Road and Motorway Directorate (TSK) with overseeing the construction. The underpass will run beneath a portion of the bridge currently under construction, which replaced a segment demolished in May 2024.

A feasibility study commissioned by the city estimates the construction cost at approximately CZK 50 million, with an additional CZK 25 million expected for the relocation of utility infrastructure. Final costs will be determined during the detailed planning phase. The underpass will form part of the broader reconstruction of the Libeň Bridge complex, which includes several technical and design updates from the original plans.

The bridge reconstruction project has faced scrutiny from the Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS), which has ruled that only those works corresponding to the originally approved project may proceed. This decision followed a complaint by the construction firm Eurovia and relates to changes introduced after the original contract was awarded. The most significant modification involves replacing the historic bridge over the Vltava River with a replica built on the original piers, rather than restoring the original structure.

As a result of these revisions, ÚOHS determined that some aspects of the project may require new tenders. City councilor Zdeněk Kovářík (ODS) stated that the council has requested a comprehensive overview of the changes introduced by TSK and the city’s transportation department, along with their expected impact on the timeline and budget. He acknowledged that parts of the project may need to be re-tendered and that costs are likely to rise.

Opposition councilor Ondřej Prokop (ANO) criticised the ongoing planning, questioning the city’s decision to move forward with aspects of the project that ÚOHS has flagged as non-compliant. He argued that continuing in this manner risks violating contractual obligations and called for greater accountability from city leadership.

The reconstruction of the Libeň Bridge was awarded to Metrostav TBR following a tender launched by TSK in early 2022. Construction began in September of that year. In 2024, the so-called flood bridge section leading toward Palmovka was demolished, with replacement work beginning in May 2025. TSK has indicated plans to issue a new tender for the demolition and reconstruction of the main span over the Vltava River.

The Libeň Bridge complex, consisting of six interconnected bridges, was designed by architect Pavel Janák and completed in 1928. It had never undergone a major repair until this reconstruction effort. While previous administrations considered demolishing and replacing the entire structure, more recent plans shifted toward preservation and partial reconstruction. The decision to build a replica of the main bridge section was influenced by updated safety standards introduced following the 2018 bridge collapse in Genoa, Italy.