Mariánský most Bridge
Mariánský most in Ústí nad Labem is a modern road and pedestrian building that crosses the Elbe River and connects the city district of Ústí nad Labem (I / 62) with the central district (II / 261). Since its opening in July 1998 it has become the third youngest of the three river bridges in the city, alongside the historic bridge of Dr. E. Benes and the railway bridge. It lies in a place called the Ústí Gate and in the long term ranks alongside the traditional символu city, castle Střekov, among its most impressive buildings.
The design of the bridge was prepared by architect Roman Koucký. The construction was built for five years with an investment exceeding 750 million crowns. However, the construction was not without problems: originally it was to be completed by the end of 1997, but cracks appeared in the pylon and ground water undercut the supports. The supplier, the Metallic Assembly Company, therefore reworked the project and used more material. This change has not been discussed with the city, resulting in a long legal dispute lasting since 1999. The bridge was not opened until July 1998. The project won the European Steel Construction Association (ECCS) Prize in 1999 and was ranked among the top ten buildings in the world of the last decade shortly after completion of the international bridge and civil engineering association.
The construction is characterized by a distinctive design which made the bridge the dominant construction Ústí nad Labem. According to the architect and historian of urbanism Karl Kuči it is the most prominent modern symbol of the city. The bridge was also proven in extreme situations - it resisted large flood waters in 2002, 2006 and 2013.
Although the bridge is architecturally successful, it has not proved quite ideal from a functional point of view: it has failed to fulfil the function of a comprehensive connection between Střekov and other parts of the city, and therefore the city plans to build an estacada towards the part of Králová Břežno. The bridge remains the property and administration of the city Ústí nad Labem. The legal dispute with the supplier was concluded in 2022 with the agreement that the city and Witkowitz VHM (the owner of the claim from the Huty Assembly) would pay CZK 30 million for the construction.
Mariánský most is a witness to modern architectural creation of the last decades. Visitors can observe it from different places of Ústí, especially from promenades along the Elbe or from surrounding heights. The construction represents an interesting contrast to the historic city and is worth mentioning precisely for its convincing design approach and international recognition.
Historical milestones
- 1998
- Opening the bridge after five years of construction.
- 1999
- Getting the prestigious European Steel Construction Association Award.
- 2022
- Approval of an amicable solution to a long-term dispute over construction supplements.
Architectural development
It is a modern steel construction designed by architect Roman Koucký. There were changes in the project during construction due to technical problems in the pylon, which led to a long-standing legal dispute. The bridge is part of road communication I / 62.
Historical events
1998 - bridge opening; 1999 - Award of the European Association of Steel Structures; 2022 - Approval of the settlement between the city and Witkowitz VHM.
Owners
City Ústí nad Labem (since construction)
Points of interest
- Since his opening in July 1998, he has become the third youngest of the three river bridges in the city. - There were cracks in the pylon during construction, and the ground water underwent the supports. - The project won the 1999 European Steel Construction Association Award. - The International Association for Bridges and Civil Engineering has classified the construction among the top ten buildings in the world of the last decade. - The bridge resisted large flood waters in 2002, 2006 and 2013.
Guide
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The Marian Bridge carries road and pedestrian traffic across the Elbe in Ústí nad Labem. It connects the Ústí nad Labem-město municipal district with Střekov. It is located at a place called Ústecká brána and its northern end opens out beneath the Marian Rock. It was opened in 1998 and is thus the youngest of the three river bridges in Ústí. The older ones are the Doctor Edvard Beneš Bridge and the railway bridge.
The design comes from architect Roman Kouckého. Beside the Střekov Castle, the traditional symbol of the city, the bridge became a modern landmark of Ústí. Architect and urban history scholar Karel Kuča called it the most distinctive modern symbol of the city. In 1999 the bridge won a prize from the European Association of Steel Constructions. The International Association for Bridges and Structural Engineering listed it among the ten best structures in the world of the last decade shortly after its completion.
Construction took five years. The city built the bridge, still owns it, and invested over 750 million crowns into it. The contractor, the company Hutní montáže, was supposed to put the bridge into service by the end of 1997. However, cracks appeared in the pylon and water undermined the supports. The contractor changed the project and used more material, but did not discuss the change with the city. The bridge opened only in July 1998 and the city refused to pay the additional costs.
This began a dispute that lasted over twenty years. In 1999 Hutní montáže filed a lawsuit against the city for 184 million crowns plus late payment interest. The case was sent back between the district and regional courts several times. In 2020 the contractor transferred the claim to the affiliated company Witkowitz VHM, which according to its accounting statement had no assets or employees. The city called the transfer intentional and challenged it in court. In 2021 the regional court ruled in the city's favor and the Supreme Court rejected the subsequent appeal. The remaining parts of the dispute were to be settled by a settlement that the city council approved in September 2022 and which was still to be reviewed by the court. According to it, the city will pay 30 million crowns and the company will pay almost 10 million crowns as a fee to the city's lawyer.
The bridge withstood major floods in 2002, 2006 and 2013. However, it was not able to fulfill the function of connecting Střekov with other parts of the city. Therefore, an elevated roadway toward Krásné Březno is planned. The city also tried to have the bridge transferred to the state. In 2008 a court prohibited this at the request of Hutní montáže with a preliminary measure. Negotiations on the transfer then continued in 2009.
Tips for visitors
For the best experience we recommend a visit during the sunset, when light is beautifully reflected from the river Elbe and steel bridge construction. At this time the atmosphere is quieter and the colors are most impressive for observing the landscape.
Transport to the place is possible by car and public transport.
When walking through bridges, it is worth taking with you comfortable shoes and possibly water. If you plan to take pictures, the best views can be obtained from the level of the river or from nearby prospects, especially with soft daylight, which will highlight the details of the construction.
In the area you can focus on other attractions. In the vicinity there are Střekov Castle, Mariánska Rock, Dr. E.
For families with children, walking on the bridge and around it is suitable thanks to the open space, which allows observation of river flow and surrounding landscape without the need for complex planning.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a structure in a public space that can usually be seen from outside free of charge. We have not verified that this particular one is freely accessible.
Where is the monument?
Location: Ústí nad Labem, Ústecký kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
For kids
About 50 years ago, when Mariánský most was not yet standing here like a golden sun fire, the underground witches began to meet and plan. It was in 1994 when the story began to be written. Who would have thought that one day the Elbe River would be a connecting bridge for people, like pilgrims in the old days?
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Nearby
Střekov Castle, Mariana Rock, Dr. E. Beneš Bridge, railway bridge.
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Thematic cruise route from Ústí nad Labem
1.Mariánský most * Type: * Bridge * Why is it worth visiting: * Mariánský most is the oldest arched bridge in Bohemia, built in 1659. Its historical and architectural values make it a necessary stop for every traveler to Ústí nad Labem.
2. Střekov Castle * Type: * Castle * Why is it worth a visit: * This castle, located on an island in the Elbe River, offers views of the historical and natural beauty of the area. Its strength structures and panoramic views make it an ideal place to relax after exploring the Mariánska bridge.
3. Mariana Rock * Type: * Top * Why is it worth a visit: * This peak, located near Střekov Castle, offers a unique view of the city and the Elbe River. It is an ideal place to photograph and explore historical remains.
4. Dr. E. Beneš Bridge * Type: * Bridge * Why is it worth visiting: * This bridge, built in 1936, is an example of functionalism and modernist architecture. Its elegant design and historical importance make it an interesting stop for building lovers.
5. Railway bridge * Type: * Bridge * Why is it worth visiting: * This railway bridge, built in 1878, is an important part of the transport infrastructure of the area. Its historical and technical values make it an interesting place for those interested in the development of railway transport.
This route offers a combination of history, architecture and nature, making it ideal for a full day visit to Ústí nad Labem.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring brings fresh air to the bridge and the first signs of green around the river. The light is soft at this time and very suitable for observing nature awakening to life. We recommend visiting the morning hours when the air is the cleanest. The clothes should be layered because the morning cold at the water can still be felt, but during the day it will be pleasantly warm.
Summer is characterized by bright sun and the longest days that encourage walking. The atmosphere is very lively, but due to high temperatures and larger groups of people we recommend to come as early as morning or just before sunset, when shade and air are more pleasant. Prepare light summer clothes and don't forget to protect yourself from the sun.
Autumn brings fog rising above the Elbe level and colorful leaves in the surrounding trees. The atmosphere is calm and slightly melancholic, which is ideal for contemplation. Due to wind weather by the river, it is necessary to choose a waterproof jacket and warmer clothing. The best time to visit are bright, sunny days that perfectly contradict the morning mist.
Winter brings a freezing wind to the bridge and often snow that changes the surrounding landscape. The light is weak in this period and the days are short, so it is best to plan a visit around noon to make enough daylight. The necessity is a very warm, wind-resistant jacket, scarf and hat, because the open space above the river is very cold.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
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Sources and literature
Photos: Elros MetalBlade/Jan Mareš / CC BY 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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