The Prince Józef Poniatowski Bridge nowadays performs an important function in Warsaw’s transport system and is one of the most valuable monuments of the capital’s infrastructure. Despite this high value, it has recently become a source of controversy. In 2021, speed cameras were installed on the crossing, which caused mixed reactions. The Mazovian Conservator of Monuments, who oversees the condition of the historic bridge, already expressed reservations during their installation. Two of the six sizable devices were placed in places that interfere with the structure of the stone benches, which, according to the conservator, violates the integrity of the monument.
According to the recommendation made by the previous conservator, Professor Jakub Lewicki, the two speed cameras were to be dismantled by the end of 2023. Then, due to prolonged renovation work on the structure, the deadline was postponed until the end of 2024. The current conservator, Marcin Dawidowicz, upheld the decision to dismantle them.
“We have received a recommendation to remove the two central speed cameras. We are currently looking for new locations for them in consultation with the Chief Road Transport Inspector,“ explained Jakub Dybalski, spokesman for the City Roads Authority.
Speed cameras near the historic benches. Photo: Google Maps
Despite the controversy over the aesthetics of the speed cameras, community organisations such as the City Is Ours association are calling for their retention, arguing that speed control on the bridge is necessary due to the history of tragic accidents there. At the same time, activists have indicated that they strongly support the introduction of legislation to facilitate the installation of aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive speed cameras, which will not interfere so much with the character of the monuments. Now, the Mazovian Historic Preservation Officer has decided to extend the possibility for speed cameras to remain on the Poniatowski Bridge until 30 June 2025. During this time, the issue of finding a new location or an alternative solution for the two devices standing in conflict with elements of the bridge’s decoration is to be resolved.
The Prince Józef Poniatowski Bridge is one of twelve permanent crossings on the Warsaw section of the Vistula River. Its construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1914. The design was created by Mieczysław Marszewski, and well-known engineers such as Bronisław Plebiński, Stefan Szyller and Zygmunt Otto participated in its implementation. The impressive structure, originally called the Mikolajewski Bridge, was soon renamed the Poniatowski Bridge. As a result of historical turmoil, the bridge was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Already during the First World War, in 1915, retreating Russian troops blew up part of the crossing.
After a makeshift reconstruction, a comprehensive reconstruction took place between 1920 and 1927, during which a tramway line was also built. The bridge played an important role in Polish history – it was on the bridge that Józef Piłsudski and Stanisław Wojciechowski met on 12 May 1926 to launch the May Coup. The Poniatowski Bridge was again destroyed during the Second World War, when retreating German troops blew it up in 1944. Its reconstruction, which began immediately after the war, was led by engineer Stanisław Hempel.
Reconstruction was swift, as the bridge was opened for use as early as 1946. Unfortunately, during the reconstruction, the bridge lost much of its original decoration and its form was simplified. Further modernisation work took place in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, when, among other things, the bridge was widened, new links to Wisłostrada were built and the steel structure was strengthened. In mid-2024, another refurbishment began, this time of the viaduct running over Solec.
Source: Mazowiecki Wojewódzki Konserwator Zabytków, tvn24.pl
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