Krakow advances Kotlarski Bridge dilation work as Konotop's 50‑m Mother of God monument nears completion

Construction crews on Kraków’s Kotlarski Bridge have begun installing the first of eight new expansion joints, starting with the module on the Zabłocie side. The joints will be anchored with specialized resin and steel anchors, then precisely leveled to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity and smooth traffic flow. Work proceeds in stages to keep the bridge open, though drivers may still encounter lane reductions and temporary restrictions, especially if rain hampers the curing of the resin.

In Konotop, near Kikoł, the 50‑meter‑tall Mother of God statue has reached its final assembly stage with the installation of its massive hands, each weighing about 10.5 tonnes. The pieces were cast on‑site, lifted by a custom crane, and bolted into the monument. The project, funded by Grażyna and Roman Karkosik, is slated for consecration on 15 August and will surpass the statues in Świebodzin, Poland, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.