The reconstruction of an old railway bridge in Trenčín, western Slovakia, has officially started. (source: Mesto Trenčín)
After more than a year of public tenders, the reconstruction of an old railway bridge in Trenčín, western Slovakia, has officially started.
The plan is to transform the almost 250-metre-long bridge into a residential, promenade and green bridge that will connect both banks of the Váh river by the summer of 2026. The so-called Fiesta Most will include restaurants, bistros, cafes and sports facilities.
The reconstruction worth more than €10 million will be paid for from EU funds as part of the European Capital of Culture (ECOC) 2026 project.
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According to Trenčín Mayor Richard Rybníček, the preparation took a whole decade. During that time, they had to resolve its property and legal issues. It was followed by a public procurement process, which lasted 18 months.
The old railway bridge has so far connected the two banks of the Váh River, but after reconstruction it is to become an extended part of the city centre.
"The urban planning study counted on the bridge being designed as an important spot, not just a connecting element. We prepared the study with the intention that it would not be just a pedestrian zone, but a sort of a street with services and that people would spend their time there and that it would be their goal," explained Martin Beďaš, the Trenčín chief architect.
Space for sports activities will be provided as well, for example streetball field on its roof. Five commercial units will be built on its lower part, including a bar, café, restaurant, bistro and community centre, which will also serve as a cultural space.
Preparatory work underway
The project is also important for the town in that it will fundamentally change the purpose of the bridge. Project manager Peter Fortner assumes that all work will be completed according to plan.
"We have set aside 20 months for this and we will manage to do it in that time. Cleaning and painting work will be done in the first half of the year," he added. The total cost of the work is €10,424,250 with VAT.
"The length of the public procurement process means that we will not be able to complete this bridge by the time of the ECOC 2026 opening ceremony. The completion date is the end of August 2026. As part of sustainability, we will be able to implement the ECOC 2026 program on the bridge," said Ján Forgáč, Deputy Mayor of Trenčín.
During reconstruction, the bridge will be completely closed to the public.
"It is not possible to carry out this construction without closing the bridge. People will have to put up with the fact that they will have to use other routes during the reconstruction. I believe that citizens will understand this," he concluded.
©My Trenčín
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