Prague's Libeň Bridge to Become Luxury Apartment Complex?

But a newly-announced development project may top that one in unusual innovation.

For the past eight months, Prague’s Libeň Bridge, the largest in Prague, has been closed to automotive traffic after inspections found that the 90-year-old bridge was badly in need of repairs – – or rather, replacement.

And while the Bridge has long been one of Prague’s main arteries between the districts of Prague 7 and Prague 8, the future of the location is still uncertain as Prague officials continue to debate whether to demolish the current bridge and erect another in its place, or leave the original structure standing as a city landmark.

On Monday morning, ANO representative and Prague Mayoral candidate Petr Stuchlík presented the most unique plans for the Libeň Bridge yet: the addition of a multi-storied apartment complex and spacious park.

“When I found out that the Libeň bridge had to be destroyed, I wanted to offer an alternative and realize my dream of living above the water. Why wouldn’t it be possible to live on a bridge?”

Concept art for the new design features a tiered building and an expansive green area atop the bridge, which would include tunnels for automotive and tram traffic underneath.

The building atop the bridge would house luxury apartments, and the profit from their sale would help fund the construction of the new project.

“If the structure was built in this form, it would not interfere with the view of Prague’s scenery and monuments,” Stuchlík said.

“On the contrary, it would be among the new features that tourists would visit. In addition, the value of real estate in the whole area would increase.”

Other officials weren’t as enthusiastic about the new proposal for Libeň Bridge. Prague 8 Roman Petrus predicted a four-year wait for a project of this scale to begin, while the area is in desperate need of a quicker replacement.

“Every day we would be frightened if the bridge would last,” he added.