Footbridge in Litomysl

Footbridge in Litomysl
© Stavba roku

Footbridge in Litomysl

EHL & KOUMAR ARCHITEKTI

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Lukáš Ehl, Tomáš Koumar, Ladislav Dvořák, Ladislav Šašek

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Mikoláš Vavřín

CONTRACTORS
Chládek a Tintěra, Pardubice a.s.
, divize mostních staveb

CONCRETE SUPPLIER
Cemex Czech Republic

ART COLLABORATIONS
Ivana Šrámková

LIGHTING DESIGN
Ladislav Tikovský

PHOTOGRAPHS
Tomas Soucek, Stavba roku

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Litomysl, Czech Republic

CATEGORY
Pedestrian Bridge

Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek

The new footbridge with an elevator, which replaces the original overpass from 1981, provides barrier-free pedestrian access from the Municipal Office to the city center and enhances the route across the busy I/35 highway.

The subtle steel structure is supported by massive pillars made of exposed concrete. 

Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek

The elevator tower is located on the axis of the original staircase towards the historic center and supports the structure of the bridge.

The tower creates a new landmark visible through Ropkova Street from the square.

The central pillar continues into a new concrete staircase oriented to the path to Smetanův dům.

Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek

On the western approach, the bridge is supported on an abutment in the existing retaining wall.

The structural system of the welded steel bridge structure is a continuous beam with two spans and cantilevered ends.

The bridge's superstructure consists of two main Vierendeel girders connected by transverse beams.

Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek

By repeating of the cross-section in the longitudinal direction a spatial 3D Vierendeel girder is formed with an orthotropic deck plate and the roof.

The spatial module of 3.07 x 3.07 x 3.07 m is repeated in the reinforced concrete structures.

Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek

The precision of the girder edges and the overall geometry was achieved by the use of HEB beams and welded plates in a cross-section of 220 x 220 mm.

Thanks to the chosen structure, the footbridge protects against bad weather and offers an attractive view between the treetops over the Loučná River.

Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek

The footbridge has a railing of stainless-steel mesh and a round handle. The lighting enhances the contrast between the lightweight steel structure and the exposed concrete.

The simple character of the structure is enlivened by the graphics of Ivana Šrámková at the elevator entrances and the rear wall of the elevator tower.

Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek


Footbridge in Litomysl
© Stavba roku
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek
Footbridge in Litomysl
© Tomas Soucek


Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl


Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl


Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl


Footbridge in Litomysl
Footbridge in Litomysl