At the time of its completion, it was the largest solid-rib arch bridge in the world.
The bridge's construction was designed to accommodate the rising water levels of the Orlík Reservoir, which was being built concurrently.
The steel arch is a two-hinged structure with a span that allows for substantial thermal expansion.
A specialized construction method involving pivoting the arch halves into place was utilized to avoid obstructing the river valley during assembly.
The bridge deck is suspended from the arch by vertical hangers, a design chosen for both efficiency and wind resistance.
Žďákov Bridge is a single-arch steel bridge crossing the Vltava River in the Czech Republic, standing as one of the largest arch bridges in the country. Completed in 1967, it spans 542.9 meters total with a central arch reach of 379.6 meters. The bridge deck sits approximately 90 meters above the current water level of the Orlík Reservoir. It was constructed using an innovative method where the arch was built from both banks simultaneously using temporary masts and cables. The structure weighs over 4,100 tonnes of steel. It serves as a major road link on Route 121, connecting the towns of Orlík nad Vltavou and Kostelec nad Vltavou. The reservoir was created after the bridge's design phase, which influenced the height required to clear the water. It remains a significant example of mid-20th-century Czechoslovak bridge engineering.
The shoreline paths accessible from the bridge abutments provide the best perspective of the full arch against the reservoir.
Park in the designated areas on either side of the bridge before walking onto the structure for safety.
Bring binoculars if you intend to observe the reservoir's water traffic or local birdlife.
The bridge is exposed to high winds, so prepare for variable weather conditions even on sunny days.
Attempting to walk across the bridge during high-traffic periods, as the shoulders are narrow and wind speeds can be high.
Stay within the pedestrian walkways and do not attempt to climb the bridge structure or the external railings.
