The works on the bridge are going according to the assigned plan. Also details are gradually being finished in such a way that the general public, when they look at the bridge, can feel that everything is fine.
Protection against water
The part of the bridge already repaired contains pavement layers, hydro-insulation, wiring network and the newly-laid original paving. Those stones from the side wall that did not meet the prescribed requirements have been changed. The main objective – to protect the inner parts of the bridge against water – has already been met in all repaired parts of the bridge. “When the renovation has finished next June, Charles Bridge will be able to serve the public for many more decades,” said Pavel Kameník from SMP CZ.
The reconstruction was necessary
A diagnosis carried out before the start of the works confirmed that Charles Bridge was in very bad condition and that it was not possible to put off the reconstruction any longer. This has been further confirmed during the reconstruction and what is more, some of the stones were found to be in such a bad condition that they fell apart when they were merely grasped with bare hands. For instance, above Čertovka the falling pieces of degraded sandstone blocks on the bottom part of the vault, put people passing under the bridge at risk.
Repairing repairs from the 1970’s
Those who are interested have a chance to look into the layers of the bridge that are being repaired several times a year during open days. People thus can compare the present renovation with the one carried out in the 1970’s. “We do not interfere with deeper and older layers,” pointed out P. Kameník. The reconstruction does not concern the statues nor the little walls, only the reconstruction of hydro-insulation and technical repairs of the safety walls. Reconstruction done in any other way would mean a much greater intervention. Restoration of individual stones would only preserve the current bad condition and would not prolong the life of the bridge.
