Transport infrastructure
Study

Vítězná— Újezd—Legion Bridge

Project name:
Conceptual study of the Vítězná—Újezd—Legion Bridge Area
Location:
Praha 1 – Staré Město, Malá Strana
Praha 5 – Malá Strana
Architect:
Prague Institute of Planning and Development
Investor:
Capital City of Prague, Technická správa komunikací hl. m. Prahy, a.s.
Author:
Hendrych Jakub, Melková Pavla, Fialka Vladimír
Associates:
Syrový Květoslav
Typology:
Transport infrastructure, Public space
Status:
Study
Project start:
2016 Q3
Project completion:
N/A
Updated:
4/2/2024
Sources:
iprpraha.cz

Photo of the current condition—Újezd tram stop

Source: IPR Praha

Photo of the current condition—Újezd, Alleys of the victims of totalitarianism

Source: IPR Praha

Photo of the current condition—Vítězná, view of the Legion Bridge

Source: IPR Praha

Photo of the current condition—the intersection of Újezd and Mělnická

Source: IPR Praha

Photo of the current condition—Újezd, Prague’s new municipal street furniture

Source: IPR Praha

Visualization of an architectural design

Source: IPR Praha
01/06

Photo of the current condition—Újezd tram stop

Source: IPR Praha

The Újezd area is a significant location in Prague; it serves not only as the gateway to Petřín Gardens but also lies along the route connecting Lesser Town and the new city center of Smíchov. It is also directly connected to the Old and New Towns via the Legion Bridge. Adjacent to the study area are major recreational areas such as Kampa, Střelecký Island, and Dětský Island. Today, the area’s functional and architectural design does not reflect its significance.

In the past, there was a lengthy discussion about options for renovating the Újezd tram transfer hub, including barrier-free access. Furthermore, the narrow profile of the Legion Bridge—where tram traffic is currently blocked by cars—was identified as a problem in the project brief. Another focus of the Conceptual Study was improving accessibility through the area not only for pedestrians but also for cyclists, particularly along the waterfront—Kampa. Given the historic preservation status of the Legií Bridge and the effort to avoid further reducing the already limited width of the heavily used sidewalks, the conceptual study proposes shifting the tram tracks northward so that trams are not blocked in the direction of the National Theater. In the direction of Újezd, however, cars will continue to travel on the tracks, while cyclists will have a protected bike lane.

The area in front of the bridge on the Újezd side undergoes a major transformation in the proposal. Sidewalk areas are being widened, trees are being added, and the character of the site is being enhanced to create a representative entrance to Újezd and a place where people can take a quiet breather on a bench under the trees amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

The adjacent Vítězná Street, with its modified profile and surface, has been made calmer, and through traffic should be minimized. For the Újezd tram stops, a solution featuring cantilevered stops just before the intersection was ultimately chosen. This is also linked to the proposed removal of traffic lights at the intersection, which will help ensure the smooth flow of pedestrian traffic.

The design for Újezd Street follows the character of its northern section and thus includes a row of trees and parking spaces located in recesses. In consideration of the stops, the sidewalk beneath Petřín Park has also been significantly widened. The concept also seeks to improve cycling conditions in the area. Dedicated and protected bike lanes are proposed, and new two-way bike lanes are planned for the side streets. These can be implemented immediately using only traffic signage.

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