Podolí Smíchov Dvorecký Bridge
Dvorecký Bridge is Prague's 21st bridge across the Vltava — the first new crossing after two decades of debate. It connects Smíchov and Podolí and serves only trams, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. Private cars are not allowed. White high-strength concrete, three cubist-style arches, 361.4 metres of elegant silhouette, and Krištof Kintera's light garden.
White concrete.
Three arches.
Prague's first new bridge across the Vltava in decades. The structure consists of a continuous prestressed beam supported by three concrete arches with a maximum span of 87 metres, resting on five piers — two of them standing directly in the river. White high-strength concrete (class C30/37 to C45/55) and angular transitions between arches echo the tradition of Prague cubism. The low profile of the 361.4-metre silhouette respects the panorama of Vyšehrad, Emauzy Monastery, and Prague Castle.
"Dvorecký Bridge shows Prague in a new light. For the first time, pedestrians see Vyšehrad, Emmaus and Prague Castle in a single panorama. It is unique — simply walking across the bridge is an experience in itself."
From vision
to reality.
"I'm delighted that we managed to successfully complete this unique and technically demanding structure. Prague will be proud of it. We poured over 15,000 cubic metres of concrete and 3,000 tonnes of reinforcement into its construction."
Carless.
The April 18, 2026 launch brought the biggest reorganisation of Prague's tram network since 2016 — routes of lines 2, 4, 15, 20, 21, 24 and others were revised.
"We've spent a long time carefully tuning the final shape of the new line network with individual city districts. It's the maximum possible — meeting as many requests as we could."
In images.
More than a bridge.
Artist Krištof Kintera has conceived the space around the bridge as two separate curatorial projects. On the Smíchov side emerges the light garden Light Removes Darkness, and beneath the bridge on the Podolí side the multifunctional space Podmostí with sculptures, sound installations, and sports facilities.
"We collect light. Light means life. Light fights darkness the way good fights evil."
Light Removes
Darkness
154 light objects, 440 sources, 81 countries. A collection of streetlamps assembled since 2019 via partner cities and diplomatic missions.
lightremovesdarkness.com →
Podmostí
Heavy Head Boy, Public Jukebox (33 audio categories), Noah's Vertical, Rebel Lampe, My Light Is Your Light. Skate park, boulder wall, arena.
podmosti.cz →
Smíchov / Prague 5
- Cyclist access ramp
- Terraced staircases
- Prague transit info centre with café
- Light Removes Darkness light garden
Podolí / Prague 4
- Sports arena at Žluté lázně
- Children's climbing wall
- Skate park with Heavy Head Boy sculpture
- Amphitheatre & cultural space
Frequently asked.
When did Dvorecký Bridge open?
The bridge was ceremonially opened on Friday, April 17, 2026 — World Public Transport Day. A public programme ran from 11 am to 6 pm at Žluté lázně. Regular transit service began on Saturday, April 18, 2026 with the first morning run.
Who designed Dvorecký Bridge?
The architectural design came from Atelier 6 (Radek Šíma and Štěpán Braťka), who won the architectural competition in 2018. The design is inspired by cubism and traditional Prague arch bridges. Construction was carried out by Metrostav TBR, Firesta-Fišer, and STRABAG.
Which transit lines cross Dvorecký Bridge?
Trams 20 and 21, daytime buses 118, 124, 196, and 197, and night buses 901 and 914. The bridge is reserved for public transit, cyclists, and pedestrians — private cars are prohibited. Only emergency-service vehicles may pass.
Why is Dvorecký Bridge carless?
The bridge was designed from the outset for sustainable transport only. According to Deputy Mayor for Transport Jaromír Beránek, private car traffic would cause gridlock on both sides. The decision preserves transit flow, supports the city's climate goals, and fits into the strategy for six new tram lines.
How much did Dvorecký Bridge cost?
Total construction cost reached CZK 1.97 billion including VAT (1.45 billion excluding VAT). Versus the original estimate of CZK 972 million, costs more than doubled — primarily due to geological complications in the Vltava riverbed (tectonic faults crossing directly through the construction site).
How long did construction take?
Construction officially began on September 13, 2022 and the bridge opened on April 17, 2026 — approximately 3.5 years. Originally planned for 2.5 years, it was extended due to tectonic faults in the Vltava riverbed and the need for special pier foundations.
What is Light Removes Darkness?
Krištof Kintera's light garden on the Smíchov side of the bridge — 154 light objects containing 440 sources from 81 countries. A collection of streetlamps assembled since 2019 via Prague's partner cities, Czech Centres, and diplomatic missions. Average consumption of just 5–6 kW thanks to LEDs and smart control. First lamps installed summer 2026. More on the Light Removes Darkness website.
What is Podmostí?
A multifunctional space beneath the bridge on the Podolí side, designed by Atelier 6 in collaboration with Krištof Kintera. It includes sculptures Heavy Head Boy (a concrete boy with an oversized head — a reference to Rodin's Thinker, with dripping water creating echoes), Public Jukebox (33 audio categories), Noah's Vertical (flood-level monument), Rebel Lampe, and My Light Is Your Light. Sport facilities: skate park, boulder wall, arena, stairs for swimming. More on the Podmostí website.
What are the dimensions of Dvorecký Bridge?
Length: 361.4 m. Width: 16.5 m. Max. span (distance between piers): 87 m. Piers: 5 (of which 2 stand directly in the river). Material: white high-strength prestressed concrete, class C30/37 to C45/55. Three concrete arches form the characteristic cubist silhouette.