The pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Vistula, built by Budimex, after the last element of the structure was installed, connected the boulevards over the Vistula River with Praga. It is already possible to pass the bridge technically, but according to the plans for spring 2024. the crossing connecting Śródmieście with Praga will also be available to Varsovians and tourists. The cost of the construction of this, one of the largest pedestrian and bicycle crossings in Poland, will amount to 120 million 961 thousand. gross and is fully financed from municipal funds. The investment is part of the New Center of Warsaw project, which involves making a number of changes in the city center leading to a more friendly and convenient central part of the city.
The bridge connects the banks of the Vistula River at the level of Karowa and Stefana Okrzei Streets. The building is 452 meters long. After opening and making it available to Warsaw residents and tourists, pedestrians will be able to cross the crossing in 6 minutes, while cyclists will be able to cross it in 2 minutes. On the left bank, before the last pillar, the crossing widens and splits into two ramps, which are thrown over the boulevards at the level of the Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie pavement.
– The construction is progressing according to plan and has already entered the final stage of implementation. Importantly, the rapid progress of work shows that such facilities, with an experienced and motivated team, can be implemented very quickly, even in such a complex and infrastructurally sensitive environment as the city center. Work is still underway on the bridge to assemble elements responsible for transmitting tensile and compressive forces, as well as equipment such as railings and lighting. However, everything indicates that soon the crossing between the two banks of the Vistula will be easier than ever for pedestrians and cyclists due to the opening of the bridge – says Adam Grzelczak, Contract Manager at Budimex S.A.
The bridge is made of steel coated with corten-colored paint (orange-brown rust imitation), which can withstand the higher humidity levels characteristic of riverside areas. The surface of the bridge will be lined with a layer of MMA (methacrylate) resin in light gray. The width of the structure bent in the shape of a lightning bolt is variable and at its narrowest point it is 6.9 m, and above the current it widens to 16.3 m. In addition, for the comfort and safety of users, the building will be discreetly illuminated by light sources placed in the railings.
