SŽDC Prepares in Prague A Reconstruction of Two Listed Bridges Between Smíchov and Jinonice

30.07.2018

Two listed bridges on the railway line Praha-Smíchov – Praha-Jinonice, known as the “Prague Semmering” are going to be extensively reconstructed. At the beginning of September, main works on both bridges’ railway superstructure will start; the whole reconstruction will take eleven months for a price of CZK 63.7 billion. The construction’s supplier is the company Metrostav.

”The main objective of this reconstruction is to extend both bridges’ life cycle considerably and thus to ensure operability of the whole railway line. If we did not start the reconstruction now we would risk a speed decrease or a restriction of some trains on this line in the future“, said Mr. Petr Hofhanzl, Director of the Civil Engineering Administration West of Správa železniční dopravní cesty (SŽDC).

Both bridges spanning over Prokop Valley, Dalejský Creek and the railway line Praha-Smíchov – Rudná u Prahy – Beroun originate from 1872. The former consists of semi-circular arches with frontal vaults from sandstone and the filling between vaults is made from firebricks. The bridge reconstruction includes also grouting of the abutments’ masonry, the piers and arches or rescuing fissures in the arches’ and piers’ masonry. Brick arches will be locally remade, the whole masonry will be cleaned, ledge stones will be replaced and new a new steel railing will be installed. The latter bridge consists of a deck with five sandstone arches; abutments are built with sandstone and limestone. During construction, railway superstructure will be dismantled and ballast will be replaced on both bridges.

During the three-month closure, the reconstruction project of the current station and line signalling and safety equipment and renewal of unused passing points Praha-Žvahov, Praha-Jinonice and Praha-Stodůlky will continue. Reconstruction should be completed at the end of next May and includes building new platforms at Jinonice and Zličín. Construction of technological buildings at Stodůlky and Jinonice goes on as well.

Files