The repair project for the Šmejkalka bridge on the D1 highway entered a critical phase as a load test closed the route between exits 21 Mirošovice and 29 Chocerady, according to reporting from ceskenoviny.cz. Work on the oldest highway bridge in the Czech Republic began in 2023, is being carried out by the consortium of companies Strabag and Pragoprojekt, and carries a cost of nearly one billion crowns without VAT.
During the testing procedure, instruments measured bridge deflection under load, vibrations, and concrete stress. Luděk Hubáček of the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD) explained that the structure is evaluated as a complete unit. The testing used eight fully loaded trucks, each weighing 32 tons. Operators scheduled the tests for nighttime hours to take advantage of both reduced traffic and stable temperatures, according to ceskenoviny.cz and ŘSD.
Diversion Routes and Traffic Restrictions
The overnight closure required distinct detours depending on vehicle weight. Passenger vehicles and trucks up to 12 tons can use road I/3 to Benešov, followed by road II/110 through Soběhrdy and Kozmice, as outlined by ceskenoviny.cz. Meanwhile, heavy trucks exceeding 12 tons must travel via road I/3 through Olbramovice, Votice, and Miličín, continue onto the D3 highway and road I/19 toward Pelhřimov and Humpolec, and rejoin the D1 highway at exit 90 Humpolec.
Did You Know? The Šmejkalka bridge is recognized as the oldest highway bridge in the Czech Republic, and its comprehensive modernization project is scheduled for completion next year.
Schedule and Next Steps
The initial phase of the load test runs until Saturday morning, with a second phase scheduled for the following night. If the load test does not reveal any complications, the Road and Motorway Directorate plans to shift traffic in the night between September 5 and September 6. Drivers would move onto the completed section of the Šmejkalka bridge heading toward Prague, allowing construction crews to begin rebuilding the half of the bridge directed toward Brno.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will drivers be able to cross the Šmejkalka bridge again?
Drivers will be able to pass through the area on Saturday morning at 6:00, although testing will continue into the following night, according to ceskenoviny.cz and ŘSD.
What vehicles are affected by the designated detours?
Cars and trucks under 12 tons follow a shorter local detour through Benešov and Soběhrdy, while heavy trucks over 12 tons must take a wider route via the D3 highway and Pelhřimov.
Who is managing the bridge reconstruction?
The repair work is being carried out by the contractor consortium Strabag and Pragoprojekt, with overall supervision by the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD).
How will these weekend overnight closures impact your travel plans across the region?