sleek concrete pedestrian bridge spans the vltava river in prague

Jun 26, 2023

A new pedestrian bridge now spans the Vltava River in Prague, offering a direct link between the city and Štvanice Island. Designed by Bridge Structures, the footbridge’s sleek design accommodates pedestrian and cyclist movement efficiently. The bridge’s curved design complements the flow of traffic, blending with the surroundings. The construction of the bridge humbly responds to the panorama of Prague’s landscape and connects to both Holešovice and Karlín riverbanks, providing access to Štvanice Island. Supported by embankment abutments and piers, the bridge has a ramp leading to the island, mirroring its edge. The end span of the footbridge on the Holešovice side descends to connect to the level of the pavement smoothly and barrier-freely on the embankment. The span is designed to be vertically movable at the support point where a hydraulic piston mechanism is located to provide a vertical lift to the flood level Q1000.

all images courtesy of Bridge Structures

Crafted from ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), the bridge has a polished appearance resembling shiny white marble. The main supporting structure consists of a continuous reinforced concrete beam with longitudinal prestressing and an H-shaped cross-section. The design by Prague-based studio Bridge Structures features two fully enclosed side parapet beams with an intermediate deck plate that receives support from transverse ribs. In terms of production and assembly, the construction follows a segmental bridge approach, comprising a total of 57 prefabricated components. The ornamental bronze handles with figural animal motifs at the ends of the structure are composed by sculptor Aleš Hvízdal and add an artistic touch, while integrated lighting lines the handrail. Sculptor Jan Hendrych’s The River figural sculpture graces Štvanice island’s entrance.

two side parapet beams with an intermediate deck plate receive support from transverse ribs

the structure connects to both Holešovice and Karlín riverbanks, providing access to Štvanice Island

the bridge’s curved design complements the flow of traffic, blending with the surroundings

the footbridge’s sleek design accommodates pedestrian and cyclist movement efficiently