A new bridge as a symbolic gateway at the point where the Vltava leaves Prague and continues toward the Elbe
The site for the last bridge over the Vltava within Prague has a unique and unrepeatable atmosphere. Steep rocky banks lining the riverbed create a dramatic and distinctive natural setting. This location, situated at the boundary between the city and the open landscape, calls for a structure with a unique technical solution and architectural expression.
The bridge design is based on two diverging piers that support the bridge deck. The deck is lightened between the individual supports and, together with the piers, forms an integral whole. The rhythm of the support spacing optimizes force transfer and shortens the longest spans. The shape of the piers can be likened to a tree trunk, whose growth reflects an organic flow of forces. The asymmetrically opened arms give the piers a sculptural character, framing the view over the river. The piers open up at three-fifths of their height, in accordance with the golden ratio.
Thus, the bridge ceases to be a mere “necessary” motorway structure and becomes part of the landscape composition. Cyclists and pedestrians in the valley share in the experience of the bridge’s scale and the dimensions of its individual elements. For drivers on the ring road, the bridge is not a visually dominant feature, as their attention is focused on driving between tunnels, framed by noise barriers and directional signs.
The design of the bridge is based on two spreading piers, on which the bridge deck is placed. It is lightened between the individual supports and together with the piers forms one integral whole. The rhythm of the spacing of the supports optimizes the transfer of forces and shortens the longest spans. The shape of the piers can be compared to the trunk of a tree, whose growth forms the organic transfer of forces. The asymmetrically spread arms give the piers a sculptural expression that frames the image above the river. The piers spread out at three-fifths of the height in the ratio of the golden ratio. The bridge thus ceases to be a “necessary” highway structure and becomes part of the landscape composition. Cyclists and pedestrians in the valley participate in the experience of the size of the bridge and the dimensions of its individual elements. For drivers on the highway ring road, the bridge is not significantly visually defining, because it focuses on driving between tunnels, bordered by noise barriers and directional signs.
The supporting chamber structure of the bridge is made of prestressed reinforced concrete, which ensures the strength and long service life of the structure. To simplify maintenance, the bridge deck is divided into two separate decks connected above the piers. In the longitudinal direction, the bridge forms a continuous frame with piers that allow for an even distribution of forces. During construction, the use of cantilevered concreting technology for the piers and the supporting structure is planned, thus minimizing interference with the protected areas under the bridge, the river and adjacent roads. The asymmetry of the piers will be compensated for by temporary prestressing cables, which minimizes additional stresses in the substructure.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be guided on the bridge via footbridges below the road level on both sides of the bridge. The footbridges will be 3 m wide and 3 m high and will operate as a one-way cycle lane and two pedestrian lanes. The bridge deck together with the footbridge creates a “pocket” that protects users from wind and bright sun, and provides a sense of safety against dizziness. Lookouts are designed between the supports. The footbridge is gradually widened to 4 m here, offering space for stopping.
The Rybářka interchange is designed to be hidden under the terrain, becoming part of the tunnel body. The position of the eastern portal of the Suchdolský tunnel, including the boarding area for the IZS, has thus moved closer to the bridge. The position of the D0 motorway is unchanged, as is the portal of the Zámky-západ tunnel on the eastern side of the river. Ramps and accesses have been designed for cyclists and pedestrians on both sides of the bridge.
In the area between the mouth of the tunnel portal and the villa development of Nový Suchdol, the restoration of the orchard and its connection with the natural vegetation of dry grasslands, solitary shrubs and trees is proposed. The mosaic-like character of the landscape will be supported by species-mixed ties with local woody plants. On the left bank at the Zámky-západ tunnel portal, it will be connected to a light oak forest with grass undergrowth and thermophilic shrubs. Throughout the construction period and after implementation, the protection of biotopes for endangered species of reptiles, bats, birds and invertebrates will be supported.
