Reconstruction of Charles Bridge

Nevertheless, it experienced its biggest test during the floods in 2002. Only then was it was proved how far-sighted Charles IV and his architects were when they designed the new stone bridge. Water did not reach as high as to reach the deck like other bridges. Still after 650 years it is necessary to reconstruct the bridge. Initial repairs have already been carried out, namely the reconstruction of the 8 ^th and 9 ^th pillars. Further repairs of the deck have started as well as of the stone casement.

 When taking it to pieces, workers are using classical methods, but sometimes they have to use a diamond chain saw. The reason for that is that there was concrete used during some previous reconstructions that cannot be removed by wedges or other stonecutting instruments. Repairs are carefully watched by preservationists, who are also interested in the method of repairs from the past. It happened sometimes that stones, even though damaged, were not replaced as a whole, workers cut off only a damaged part and put a sort of a shell on it. The bridge also suffered due to using salt to remove snow. Even though it’s been a long time since people used salt, still some stones are damaged on the level of the deck and need to be replaced.

Reconstruction of the bridge came up with surprises that must be reviewed by historians. E.g. there was a filling found of the bridge made of plaener of a very high quality above Čertovka canal.

Reconstruction will last until 2010. Yet it is not only the reconstruction, also the electric lights will be changed into gas ones. Also the Old Town Bridge tower is going to be reconstructed. Actually it has already started with the statues now exchanged for new copies. The concrete replicas from the 60´s were replaced with sandstone copies of a high quality. The embankment wall has been reconstructed as well and the restoration of the statues is still being discussed.