On 23 October 2026 the South Bohemian Region announced that the new Most Kosmonautů over the Malše in Mánesova Street in České Budějovice will open only in spring 2027. According to the original schedule it was to be finished by the end of 2026.[1][2]
Cause of the delay
According to the region, the difficulties did not arise in the construction of the bridge structure itself but in relocating utility lines from the original bridge to a temporary technological footbridge. They include, for example, a steam pipeline that also supplies heat to the hospital, and the main water pipeline. Builders under the river encountered harder ground than expected. Driving sheet piles and the first chosen technology for placing steel profiles failed, and a drill bit was damaged during drilling. In the end, with the help of divers, they placed concrete rings filled with gravel on the riverbed, which serve as a support for the footbridge in the middle of the river.[1]
Regional governor Martin Kuba said that the main reason for the shift in the opening is the need to change the technology repeatedly. The delay lasts several weeks and follow-up work has moved into winter, when the weather may affect its course. The new steel structure of the bridge is being built away from the construction site and will be moved into place.[1]
Chronology
- — The South Bohemian Region announced that the new Most Kosmonautů bridge over the Malše in České Budějovice will open only in spring 2027, because hard ground under the river complicated the relocation of utility lines. Deník: České Budějovice / Jižní Čechy Budějcká Drbna
Sources
- Deník: České Budějovice / Jižní Čechy — 23 October 2026
- Budějcká Drbna — 23 October 2026