Repairs Instead of Demolishing: The Railway Bridge in Prague Needs Reinforcement with Carbon Lamellas
The railway bridge in Prague faces significant operational restrictions due to its deteriorating condition, requiring urgent repairs and limitations in speed and capacity.
The railway bridge in Prague is under severe operational limitations due to its critical structural state, with only one train allowed to cross at a time at a maximum speed of 20 km/h. Since February 15, 2023, the bridge has been practically unusable for freight transport, significantly reducing its capacity and delaying urban rail line developments. The series of speed reductions and operational constraints have raised concerns regarding the bridge's ability to handle current traffic demands.
In December 2023, train speeds were reduced further from 40 km/h to 20 km/h, continuing a pattern of gradual speed restrictions that commenced with a drop from 60 km/h earlier. The Czech Rail Authority is planning necessary repairs this year to maintain even the limited operational capacity of the bridge. Essential repairs will include reinforcing the joints and utilizing carbon lamellas to strengthen the overall structure, which is crucial for the safety and reliability of rail services in the area.
One of the significant challenges highlighted includes the complete removal of all engineering networks from the bridge. This involves the relocation of gas pipelines and energy cables, which is a complex process that may significantly impact the duration of repairs and, consequently, rail service availability. The authorities emphasize the need for thorough and immediate interventions to preserve the bridge's operational functionality as preparations for a broader infrastructure upgrade continue.