After eight months of intensive construction work, the key stage of the crossing construction in Port Czerniakowski has been completed. Its opening is scheduled for August this year. The new footbridge in Warsaw will improve water transport and facilitate the movement of pedestrians and cyclists in this part of the capital.
The restoration of the historic structure
The new crossing will replace a former wooden footbridge that served Warsaw residents for almost three decades. The steel bridge, which is currently under construction, will be more robust and functional, adapted to modern transport and recreational needs. It will connect the cycle paths of the Łazienkowski Bridge with the routes across Solec, Czerniakowska and Łazienkowska streets. Its construction will improve accessibility to the numerous sport and recreational attractions in this part of the city.
The new footbridge in Warsaw – technical details
The bridge is 60 metres long and 8.2 metres wide. Its construction is based on steel elements made at Huta Pokój and a reinforced concrete composite slab. Founded on large-diameter drilled piles, the structure was assembled using one of the largest cranes with a lifting capacity of 500 tonnes. The last elements of the structure, weighing 30 tonnes and measuring 23.2 metres in length, were first ‘tried on’ and then assembled.
The history and future of the bridge
The previous bridge, built in 1980 by soldiers from the 2nd Warsaw Sappers Brigade in Kazun, was originally intended to be temporary. However, it survived for 28 years, serving as an important part of the harbour’s infrastructure and a popular place for walks and recreation. Due to its poor technical condition, it was demolished in 2008. The new footbridge will not only improve traffic in the harbour area, but also enable the water infrastructure to function better. In addition to the construction of the crossing, the stairs on the slope of the eastern quay and the sailing and rowing/kayaking piers will also be upgraded. A new access road to the western quay will also be created.
Vistula Time Capsule
A symbolic highlight of the project will be the placement of a Vistula Time Capsule, which will contain artefacts related to Warsaw and the Vistula. As emphasised by Jan Piotrowski, the Mayor’s Plenipotentiary for the Vistula, the capsule will be a material testimony to the modern history of the city, which in future may become a valuable object of research for historians and anthropologists.
The new footbridge in Warsaw and its role
The construction of the new footbridge is another step towards improving the recreational infrastructure on the Vistula, strengthening the role of Czerniakowski Port as a centre for water sports and outdoor recreation. The modern crossing will make it even easier for Varsovians to enjoy the attractions of the Vistula Quarter.
Source: Warsaw Greenery Authority
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