Warsaw is preparing for one of the most important investments in the central part of the city. A new cycle path will be built on the section of John Paul II Avenue between the UN roundabout and Solidarności Avenue. The project will also include the planting of nearly a hundred trees and the creation of three pocket parks.
New cycle route on John Paul II Avenue
The most important element of the planned investment is the construction of a cycle path. The nearly one-kilometre-long route will be laid on the eastern side of the avenue and will connect the UN roundabout with Solidarności Avenue. As part of the works, Twarda Street will also be reconstructed, which will be adapted to one-way west-east traffic. At the intersection of Twarda and Jana Pawła II Avenue, an elevated pedestrian crossing and a cycle crossing will be created. The new infrastructure will be additionally illuminated, which will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Three pocket parks
Another important part of the project is the creation of three pocket parks. These will be small leisure zones equipped with modern urban furniture, including corrugated benches and round metal seats. The space will be complemented with decorative vegetation. There will be roses, hydrangeas, tulips, geraniums, lilies and ornamental grasses and low shrubs. The paving will be made of large white slabs and contrasting dark elements. Two of the parks will be located between Grzybowska Street and Mirowski Park, while the third will be located between Grzybowska and Twarda Streets.
New greenery on John Paul II Avenue
Along John Paul II Avenue, 99 trees will be planted. Some of them will supplement existing rows and some will create completely new ones along the pedestrian routes. The urban space will be filled with plane trees, maples, rowan trees, and bird and ball cherry trees. The greening of this part of the city is expected to improve the aesthetics of the surroundings, as well as bring environmental benefits such as lowering temperatures on hot days, reducing noise and better rainwater retention.
Tender and work schedule
Five contractors entered the tender for the project. Four of the bids are within the planned budget, so their analysis is currently underway. Work is scheduled to start next year. Once the contract is signed, the contractor will have eight months to complete all works.
Part of a wider plan
The redevelopment of John Paul II Avenue is part of a larger programme of sustainable mobility investments. Projects worth more than PLN 100 million are being implemented in the centre of the capital. Further bicycle lanes are being built on Andersa, Marszałkowska and Grzybowska streets, as well as along Solidarności Avenue and a section of Leszno street. All projects, co-financed by EU funds, serve to improve the quality of public space.
Source: Warsaw City Roads Authority
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Jana Pawła II Avenue now and after reconstruction
