Consider the Lochkov Bridge, Prague’s highest bridge. It soars 64 meters above the Lochkov Valley. This isn’t just any bridge. It is a critical piece of Prague’s infrastructure designed to ease traffic.
The Lochkov Bridge is officially named Lochkovský most. It is a vital part of the motorway bypass around the Czech capital. The goal? To alleviate private transport congestion within Prague.
This impressive structure spans 425.30 meters. It elegantly crosses the Lochkovsky Creek valley. The valley sits 65 meters below. The bridge uses a strutted frame design with a central span of 157.103 meters.
Completed in 2010, the Lochkov Bridge features a five-span deck. It is formed by a one-cell box girder. This girder has large overhangs. These are supported by tubular struts. The box girder itself is 4.80 meters deep and up to 35.425 meters wide. It combines a steel beam with a composite concrete deck slab.
The bridge’s middle span gains support from inclined concrete struts. These struts were cast incrementally. This happened using temporarily suspended cantilevers. The steel structure was assembled beyond the end abutments. Then it was launched into its final position. The deck slab was then concreted using two movable formworks. These formworks were supported by the already erected steel structure.
The Lochkov Bridge project involved cooperation with LAP, a firm from Dresden, Germany. Its precise location is on Motorway D0. This is part of the Prague Ring Road.
The bridge’s superstructure varies in width. It ranges from 33.60 meters to 35.425 meters. The designers created a detailed design for its construction.
In 2013, the Lochkov Bridge received the European Award for outstanding steel construction. Its design and engineering make it a landmark. It efficiently diverts traffic around Prague.
The Lochkov Bridge stands not only as a feat of engineering. It also represents Prague’s commitment to progress. It improves the lives of its residents and visitors alike. Its height and design make it a memorable structure. It improves transportation in and around Prague.