Information from the Municipal Roads Authority:
At the end of February this year, we began preparations for the assembly of steel structures for the new bridge over the Vistula. According to the plan, the first segments have already been installed on the pillars. This means that the construction of the pedestrian and bicycle crossing over the Vistula is entering another, very spectacular stage – with the coming weeks we will be getting closer to joining the two banks. Next year, residents and tourists will be able to use the crossing connecting the city centre with Praga. The bridge will “bring together” the districts on both banks of the river and increase the functionality of the street. Okrzei in Praga-Północ.
“The pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Vistula River will be over 400 meters long – it will be one of the largest pedestrian and bicycle crossings in Poland. We are building this bridge very quickly and if this pace is maintained, it will be as early as 2024. We will put it into use – says Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski.
In December last year, the concreting of the pillars of the last two river supports of the bridge was completed. As planned, at the end of February, the bridge’s contractor – Budimex – began preparations for the assembly of its steel structures. In April, the first segments were installed on the pillars. This means that the construction of the pedestrian and bicycle crossing over the Vistula River is entering another, very spectacular stage – in the coming weeks, more bridge spans will be installed on reinforced concrete supports. After the completion of the works, it will become a new showcase of Warsaw.
– Residents of the capital will gain an even more functional connection of the two banks of the Vistula River and will be able to admire one of the most beautiful views – the panorama of the historic part of Warsaw, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List – adds Mayor Trzaskowski.
A WALK BY THE RIVER AND WITH A VIEW
The bridge will connect the banks of the Vistula River at the level of Karowa and Stefana Okrzei Streets. It will be 452 meters long. Pedestrians will cover the crossing in 6 minutes, cyclists will cross it in 2 minutes.
On the left bank, before the last pillar, the crossing will widen. It will be divided into two ramps, which will be thrown over the boulevards at the level of the Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie pavement.
There will be no division into a pedestrian and bicycle zone on the bridge. The width of the structure bent in the shape of a lightning bolt will be variable and will be 6.9 m at its narrowest point, and it will widen to 16.3 m above the river current. At the point of bends, the crossing will be much wider so that pedestrians and cyclists can step aside and safely enjoy the views from the two leisure areas with wooden seats. Lighting will be provided by discreet light sources placed in the railings.
The bridge will be made of steel covered with corten-colored paint (orange-brown rust imitation). This material can withstand high humidity by the river well. The surface of the bridge will be lined with a layer of MMA (methacrylate) resin in light gray.
The investment will be fully financed from municipal funds – the cost of the construction of the bridge will amount to approx. PLN 120 million.
MODERNIZATION AND REVITALIZATION – THE CAPITAL OF CONVENIENCE
The bridge will not only “bring closer” the banks of the river, but will also affect the functionality of the street. Okrzei – is part of the revitalization of Praga-Północ – in the line with ul. Ząbkowska. There will be more greenery, bicycle infrastructure, new, wider pavements and small architecture. Design work is underway.
“This bridge is symbolic because it connects two sides of Warsaw. I was born in Praga and I am proud to look at this side of the city at the moment – Praga is changing so much that it makes my heart grow. The pedestrian and bicycle bridge, on which we are standing now, also opens up to the residents of this district. This is the quintessence of the city’s policy – said the President of the Council m.st. Warszawy Ewa Malinowska Grupińska. “Last Sunday, I was walking along the boulevards, on Tamka. Such a number of Warsaw residents who “spilled out” on the streets during the first warm weekend shows how much we want to spend time together in the urban space –Adds.
SPRING WORK PLAN
Currently, further merging of steel segments is underway. In the coming days, steel piles will be driven into the bottom of the river for a crane, which will be used to assemble support elements in the river current. This machine is a Demag CC3800 – its load capacity is up to 650 tonnes. With the help of this type of equipment, e.g. wind turbine propellers. The specialized crane is used for a reason – one element of the bridge is 23 meters long and weighs up to 36 tons.
In the meantime, less spectacular works are also underway, such as the reconstruction of the rainwater drainage system and teletechnical networks and the construction of a reinforced embankment, the so-called “Embankment”. geogrid – on the Kościuszko Coast.
The crossing, which is part of the concept of the New Center of Warsaw, is to be ready in spring 2024.
More about the bridge in a special service: mostnaprage.waw.pl/.
