We have repeatedly informed about the city’s intention to build a new footbridge across Ostravice and thus connect the city center with the national cultural monument of Dolní Vítkovice. After the necessary preparations, the city council has now decided on a public contract for the selection of a contractor for the construction of the “Cyclo-connection of the center with the CVT.” The deadline for submission of bids is 14 March. The conclusion of the contract with the contractor is expected by the end of April 2022.
“The idea of bridging the river at the site of the existing ash pipeline behind the Big World of Technology dates back to 2016. At the moment, we have all the documentation and building permits for the entire construction of the footbridge and the related cycle path. If all goes well and we select the contractor according to the schedule, construction could start in May. The contractor should then have a maximum of 26 weeks to complete the work,” explains Kateřina Šebestová, Deputy Mayor.
The cycle path, 550 meters long and four meters wide, will consist of two footbridges suspended on ropes together across the railway siding and the Ostravice River. The footbridge is connected to the existing cycle path “E,” running along the right bank of the river. When viewed from the side, the footbridge has the shape of the letter A, it includes a medium embedded pylon with a height of 28 meters. The railing of the footbridge will consist of a stainless steel net, an upper handrail and a guide bar for the blind. The footbridge will be illuminated, the light will be reminiscent of the moonlight, with regard to the proximity of the river and the bio-corridor, in order to avoid excessive spread of light smog.
The entire implementation should be completed by the end of October this year. However, the planned implementation phases depend on the availability of material, where the delivery of steel for the production of the bridge, as well as the delivery times of steel ropes, appear to be crucial. The estimated costs for the construction of the footbridge and the trail exceed CZK 82.5 million, excluding VAT. The construction of the footbridge is coordinated with activities in the Lower Vítkovice area, especially with the Colors of Ostrava and Beats for Love festivals. At the same time, the construction of the footbridge is coordinated with the relocation of product pipelines, which are in direct collision with the planned path at the site of the World of Technology.
“The new connection offers a fast and safe connection between the center and the Vítkovice district, thanks to which the current barriers will be overcome, as well as a very friendly and safe way of transport not only for cyclists. When using the new cycle connection, they avoid driving on busy roads. It is also positive that the project will contribute to the further development of this part of the city and its revitalization,” adds Kateřina Šebestová, Deputy Mayor.
The footbridge will be built according to the architectural design of the prominent architect Josef Pleskot, who has been involved in building the new face of the city for many years. We can mention a number of interesting buildings, which gave it a new look. In Ostrava, Pleskot took part in the revitalization of the Gong multifunctional auditorium, such as the World of Technology, the Bolt Tower, the Heligonka building and the Agricultural Museum in the Lower Vítkovice area. He is also the author of the as yet unrealized extension of the Gallery of Fine Arts called “White Shadow” in the city center.
The public contract for the selection of the construction contractor “Cyclo-connection of the center with CVT” is published in the Public Procurement Bulletin. Candidates will also find all the information and conditions of the tender procedure on the contracting authority’s profile. When choosing a supplier, the city will take into account not only the economic advantage of the bids, but also the professional qualifications, where those interested will have to prove their experience with the implementation of footbridges, bridges or transport structures within the tender procedure.
