železniční viadukt v Rychnově u Jablonce nad Nisou Railway bridge

The fast viaduct, a railway stone arch bridge in Rychnov near Jablonec nad Nisou, is known for its history and architectural beauty. This bridge overcoming the river Mohelka and Tovární Street is a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic. The Viaduct was built as part of the railway line Turnov- Liberec by the South North German connecting track and is a key element in the history of Czech infrastructure.

The history of the viaduct dates back to the 19th century when the railway network developed as part of the industrial revolution. In 1859, the section of the Turnov- Liberec line was operational, which made it easier to transport and connect Czech regions efficiently. The Viaduct was built in 1856-1859, when the route turned with the flow of the Mohelka stream into the fast valley. The granite blocks from the quarry of the Stone Dome in the Svijan Forest were used for its construction, which underlines the local use of materials and technical skill of the time.

Architecturally, the viaduct is built on a directional arch with ten pillars and nine valence arches. Its length is 119 metres, at the highest point reaching 19.3 metres. The cheeks of the arches and corners of the pillars are made of carved stone blocks, and the front covers are made of quarry stone. The bridge arches of granite sit on the ledge of massive pillars, which are slightly narrowing upwards. Geological research carried out in 1934 revealed complex conditions of foundations, which led to the use of wooden pilots or rascals for lower construction.

In July and November 2004, the viaduct was reconstructed by the construction company Chládek and Tintěra from Pardubice. During the reconstruction, the upper part of the bridge was taken, surrounded and equipped with hydroinsulation. At the central part of the bridge, there were anchored gabon boxes and gravel with reinforcements. Pillars were injected with cement injection, while the original stone blocks of roms were re-laid and the missing were supplemented with the same material. This reconstruction ensured long-term stability and protection of the monument.

Today, the Quick Viaduct stands as a testament to the technical progress of the 19th century and its importance for regional transport. It is accessible to tourists who can appreciate not only its history but also its architectural beauty. Viaduct is an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Czech Republic, which attracts the attention of not only local residents but also visitors from around the world. Visiting this bridge offers a unique view of the past and the present of Czech infrastructure.