An independent coalition of experts presents a feasible and historically sensitive solution for one of Prague’s key infrastructural landmarks, Vyšehrad Railway Bridge, which is an integral part of the Prague Heritage Reservation, a UNESCO-listed site.
Across the world, cities face a common dilemma: how to modernize vital infrastructure while preserving cultural heritage. The case of the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge in Prague exemplifies this challenge, but an innovative initiative led by independent experts, architects, and philanthropists offers a compelling solution—one that balances historical preservation, sustainability, and urban development.
A meticulous feasibility study by world-renowned engineers presents a solution that not only preserves the historic bridge but also meets contemporary transportation demands through an efficient and cost-effective reconstruction plan.
Preservation of the Cultural Monument
Spanning the Vltava River since 1901 under the historic Vyšehrad Fortress, the Railway Bridge is more than a transportation link; it is a cultural landmark that contributes to Prague’s iconic skyline. The bridge is part of the railway infrastructure connecting Prague Main Station and Smíchov Station, which has been declared an immovable cultural monument and is an integral part of the Prague Heritage Reservation, a UNESCO-listed site. However, in recent years, debates have emerged over its future, with recent proposals advocating for demolition and replacement. In response, a coalition of professionals and citizens has demonstrated through a rigorous study that preservation and modernization can coexist.
This debate echoes broader urban development dilemmas faced by heritage-rich cities worldwide: how to balance modernization with cultural responsibility.
Grassroots Urban Planning
Unlike traditional infrastructure projects spearheaded by state authorities or commercial developers, this initiative is driven by an independent coalition of experts and civic-minded philanthropists. The effort is led by the Vyšehrad Bridge Foundation, founded by philanthropist Tomáš Bistřický and experts including architects David Vávra, Petr Janda, and Petr Lešek, and supported by philanthropists Martin Vohánka and Jan Barta.
The initiative aligns with growing global trends in grassroots urban planning, where local expertise and civic engagement drive meaningful change. While the foundation is composed of architects and engineers, their bottom-up approach mirrors the principles of grassroots activism: placing the needs of the city and its people at the center of urban development.
The Feasibility Study: A Smart Alternative to Demolition
The study was entrusted to the teams of world-renowned engineers Ian Firth (COWI, UK) and Andreas Galmarini (WaltGalmarini, Switzerland), whose expertise spans major restoration projects such as London’s Tower Bridge. Their involvement highlights the project’s technical rigor and international credibility. The project is locally coordinated by Petr Tej, the co-author of Prague‘s award-winning Štavnická Bridge (HolKa), alongside the architect and urbanist Marek Kopeć.
The key findings include:
– Structural Rehabilitation: Only 15% of the bridge’s material requires replacement, while 85% can be restored through modern anti-corrosion treatments.
– Long-Term Viability: The reconstructed bridge will have a lifespan of at least 100 years, rivaling that of a newly built structure.
– Minimal Urban Disruption: Unlike demolition and complete replacement, the reconstruction process minimizes the impact on Prague’s railway traffic and the surrounding environment.
– Third Rail Expansion: The plan includes an additional third rail that blends harmoniously into the city’s panorama without compromising the bridge’s historic aesthetic.
As urban centers worldwide grapple with the competing demands of progress and preservation, the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge initiative offers an instructive case study. The study proves that historic structures can be adapted to meet modern demands without erasing their cultural value.
The study has also already received a favorable assessment from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), a globally recognized authority in structural engineering. This university belongs among the TOP 10 in various global rankings and is frequently ranked as number 1 on the European continent.
Beyond the Bridge: Public Space and Community Activation
More than a transportation project, the initiative seeks to activate public space in the bridge’s surroundings. Plans include repurposing the currently unused vaults beneath the bridge’s land structure into cultural and community spaces. These interventions mirror successful urban revitalization projects in cities such as Berlin, London, and New York, where underutilized infrastructure has been transformed into vibrant public assets.
For Prague citizens, this approach ensures that the bridge remains an integral part of their daily lives—not just as a transit route, but as a space for community engagement and urban enjoyment.
UNESCO/ICOMOS Endorsement of Preservation Efforts
In April 2024, a joint UNESCO/ICOMOS Advisory Mission released an official Report on the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge and its significance within the Historic Centre of Prague World Heritage property. The mission confirmed that the bridge contributes to the site’s Outstanding Universal Value and stated unequivocally that demolition and replacement would cause unacceptable harm to its authenticity and integrity
Crucially, the mission recommended preserving and rehabilitating the existing structure—directly aligning with the proposal put forward by the Vyšehrad Bridge Foundation. It also welcomed the initiative by independent experts and civil society to provide alternative technical assessments supporting its conservation.
A Vision for the Future of Prague—and Other Global Cities
The case of the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge extends beyond Prague. It underscores a pressing question faced by many historic cities: how to reconcile infrastructure growth with heritage conservation. The approach taken here offers a replicable model for sustainable urban development, demonstrating that historical preservation need not come at the expense of modern progress.
As the Foundation moves forward in its efforts to preserve the bridge, its message is clear: the smartest cities are those that innovate while respecting their past. By choosing reconstruction over demolition, Prague has the opportunity to lead by example, proving that historical infrastructure can be adapted to meet the needs of future generations without losing its identity.
Enhancing Prague’s Urban Connectivity and Environment
The plan also includes the strategic addition of a third railway track, seamlessly integrated with the existing structure through a lightweight, minimally invasive steel framework. This additional capacity would alleviate congestion and improve transit efficiency. The integration of modern noise-dampening materials would further enhance the experience of passengers and nearby residents by reducing rail-generated sound levels.
Moreover, the proposal incorporates significant urbanistic improvements. The revitalization of the bridge surroundings, particularly in the Výtoň and Smíchov districts, would enhance public spaces, create new commercial opportunities, and better integrate the area into the city’s broader transport network. A newly designed railway station at Vyšehrad would further elevate Prague’s rail infrastructure, however, the project also allows the possibility of the Výtoň station as currently proposed by the Czech state and the City of Prague. The new station would blend modern functionality with heritage aesthetics, incorporating elements that pay homage to Prague’s architectural legacy while providing state-of-the-art transit facilities.
Preserving the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge
Author Feasibility study: Ian Firth, COWI + Andreas Galmarini, WaltGalmarini
Third rail and urban surrounding design, local project coordination: Petr Tej – Bridge Structures] + Marek Kopeć – baugruppe
Photographer Visualizations: Michal Slusar | SDAR
Night drone visualization: Monolot
