Sketch of a modern suspension bridge with a central tower and cables fanning out to support the deck. The lines are simple and minimalistic, capturing the architectural concept against a plain background.

Vltava River Bridge

České Budějovice, Czech Republic

2024

Infrastructure · Foot & Cycle

The proposed bridge across the River Vltava will provide an important route for pedestrians and cyclists between the Ceske Budejovice Exhibition Centre and residential neighbourhoods on the West bank and the city centre on the East bank. This new connection across the Vltava will effectively expand the city centre by making it more accessible to everyone.

Futuristic pedestrian bridge at dusk, featuring a triangular frame and illuminated pathways. The surrounding area includes trees and a grassy landscape beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Four architectural diagrams show a sequence of planning stages for an urban development. Each diagram features lines, symbols, and shapes indicating different zones and pathways on a building site layout.

The design of the bridge is informed by the site, with the urban axes identified along Nerudova and parallel to the Exhibition Centre defining the location and orientation of the bridge. The physical requirements of the site, notably the clearances required over the River Vltava and the cycleways on its banks require an above deck structure with a slender deck profile, which allows the bridge to meet the existing ground naturally.

A cable stayed bridge, with the pylon located on the riverbank at the intersection of these key urban axes, provides an elegant solution. The height of the pylon allows it to act as a wayfinding beacon signalling the location of the bridge within the city, whilst the suspended deck provides a lightweight element over the water, requiring no additional supports in the river.

A scenic view of a modern bridge with a tall arch spanning over a calm river. Autumn trees with golden leaves line the riverbank under a clear sky. A person rides a bicycle along a gravel path in the foreground.

A modern cable-stayed bridge spans a calm river, surrounded by autumn trees with golden leaves. A gravel path runs along the riverbank, where two people walk under a partly cloudy sky.

A modern cable-stayed pedestrian bridge with a triangular structure spans over a river. People walk and cycle on the bridge. The background features autumn trees and a soft, cloudy sky.

The Y-shaped deck creates a symmetrical and balanced arrangement that allows fluid connections to the new and existing cycle paths on the East bank, whether travelling North or South. At both abutments steps or ramps are provided, joining different layers of activity; direct efficient routes at the high level join up with the more relaxed, recreational routes and spaces on the riverbank, including the new Sunny Islands.