Prague's Opatov Metro Station May Close for a Year Over Unsafe Bridge

Prague's Opatov metro station on Line C could be shut down entirely for roughly a year while the city carries out a reconstruction of the bridge that runs directly above it — a structure officials have declared unsafe. The news was announced by Deputy Mayor for Transport Jaromír Beránek (Pirate Party).

The bridge, built in 1980, has been deemed beyond repair according to documents approved by Prague city councillors. "The bridge is practically in a state of emergency. We've voted to begin preparatory design work, which will run this year and for the following two years. Right after that, demolition will start, followed by construction of a new bridge costing 1.3 billion crowns," Beránek said.

Why the station can't stay open

According to the deputy mayor, the option of a temporary entrance on the opposite side of the station was discussed with representatives of the Prague Public Transit Company, but he considers it unlikely to work. "My colleagues at the transit company and I talked about the possibility of a temporary entrance on the other side of the station, but personally, I can't quite picture how that would work," he admitted.

A full closure of the station is the more likely scenario. "The timeframe should fall within what we're used to from other metro station reconstructions — around a year. That's still subject to further discussion," Beránek added.

New buildings, shops and a tram line

The bridge runs directly above the metro station, carrying a four-lane road along with city and suburban bus routes. Beneath it are the station's exits and several shops. "Many Praguers also know it as a Kiss and Ride transfer point, as well as a long-term bus parking spot," the official noted.

A new bridge is also needed given plans for large-scale residential development in the Opatov district and other changes outlined in a territorial study that envisions connecting Jižní Město (South City) to the tram network.

"In the first phase, we'll start by reinforcing the central lane so bus traffic can continue without major disruption. In the medium term, some partial restrictions on Line C are unavoidable, especially given the planned reconstruction of the so-called 'Lastovice' — the bridge over the railway tracks near Háje metro station. It's all connected," the deputy mayor added.

The construction work will also affect local businesses: an arcade with shops and fast-food outlets currently operates beneath the bridge and will have to make way for the demolition. The transit company will need to terminate leases early with tenants whose contracts were formally set to run until 2034–2036.

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Source: novinky.cz