On Monday 3 June, the notorious Chorzów flyover, which has crossed the city centre for half a century, was closed. The reason for this decision was serious structural damage, discovered through expert surveys. The results showed that the structure posed a risk of sudden failure or disaster. Furthermore, the building is no longer usable and must be completely demolished. However, this gives hope to supporters of restoring Chorzow’s market square.
Chorzów flyover as a symbol of modernisation
Tens of thousands of vehicles passed over the flyover every day. The crossing was one of the main road junctions in the region and an important transport element of the agglomeration. The structure was built in the 1970s as a project to improve traffic flow between Katowice and Bytom. The whole project entailed far-reaching changes to the urban layout. In order to realise the investment, part of the historic buildings in and around the Market Square were destroyed, greenery was cut down and tram lines were moved. At the time, the project was considered extremely modern and functional, but from today’s point of view it was a death sentence passed on Chorzów.
The high price of progress
Chorzów’s Market Square used to be a representative space full of greenery and conducive to relaxation. With the development of motorisation, its surroundings began to drown in traffic jams and exhaust fumes, becoming a traffic junction of regional importance. As a result, the authorities decided to build a 400-metre long flyover, which involved demolition and extensive redevelopment of the city centre. It was considered that such a solution would improve the aesthetics and functionality of the city centre.
The Chorzów flyover was built with many hands
The unfortunate investment was carried out between 1976 and 1979 by the Kielce Bridge Works Company under the supervision of the Silesian University of Technology. Local residents, soldiers and young people were also involved in the work. The new infrastructure initially served its purpose, but with the rapid growth of motorisation it soon proved inadequate. The first major overhaul of the deteriorating structure was only carried out in 2013, but even then it was clear that the structure needed more comprehensive solutions.
The market in 1937 and 2021. Source: szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl, NAC Reference No. 3/131/0/-/247/9 and Google Maps
Revisiting the idea of an urban square
In recent years, residents have begun to recognise the historical value of the lost Market Square, resulting in its partial revitalisation, completed in 2019. New shopping pavilions, greenery, fountains and meeting places were built under the flyover. The structure itself, however, remained a symbol of aggressive interference with urban space that failed to produce a lasting solution, generating more damage than benefit.
A new opportunity for the centre of Chorzów
The Chorzów authorities estimate that the demolition of the building and the construction of new infrastructure will cost around PLN 200 million. Although the situation is difficult, many see it as a real opportunity to reclaim the historic city centre. The need to modernise the outdated structure offers an opportunity to revise plans from almost 50 years ago. As we can see, these did not quite work out, and current realities and trends are moving towards freeing city centres from the fumes and noise of cars. Chorzów therefore faces a major urban planning challenge.
Source: katowice.tvp.pl, chorzow.naszemiasto.pl, slazag. pl
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Urban Planning | Squares, Squares, Parks | Architecture| City | Metamorphosis
Chorzów Market Square on a postcard from 1919 and the same place today. Photo: Collection of the Silesian Museum and Google Earth
