Warsaw is consistently developing its pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly infrastructure. One of the key milestones in this process is the new over-ground crossing of Wisłostrada at Karowa Street, which represents a further step in connecting the left bank of the Vistula with the Prague side. As a result, pedestrians and cyclists can now travel comfortably and safely towards the pedestrian and cycle bridge without having to use subways.
A footbridge, opened in March this year, connected the Vistula boulevards to Praga, and the new underpass on Wisłostrada at Karowa Street is an extension of this initiative. It is located at the intersection of Wybrzeze Kosciuszkowskie and Karowa Street, where traffic lights already existed, so the impact on traffic along Wisłostrada is minimal. Thus, pedestrians from Powiśle and users of the pedestrian-bicycle bridge can now directly cross the busy arterial, significantly shortening the route to the Royal Route and the Old Town.
Until now, pedestrians and people with reduced mobility had a subway on Bednarska Street at their disposal, but this was sometimes inconvenient for parents with prams, the elderly and people with disabilities. Now, the new crossing provides a comfortable and easier alternative for all users. In addition to the benefits for pedestrians and cyclists, changes have also been made for drivers using Karowa Street. Until now, they could only turn right on Wisłostrada, but thanks to the new left turn from Karowa, they have gained the possibility to turn towards Żoliborz. The investment also included replacing the lighting – 12 modern SAVA lanterns appeared at the junction – and renewing the pavements.
A fragment of Wisłostrada before and after the construction of the crossing. Photo: Rafał Trzaskowski/facebook.com
The opening of the Wisłostrada crossing is part of a wider plan to revitalise Prague. Work is already underway on a project to rebuild Okrzei Street, which in future will become a symbolic ‘gateway’ to Praga. Further changes also await Karowa Street, whose role as a key link between the Royal Route and the Vistula is becoming increasingly important. The example of Wisłostrada is evidence of a consistent drive to replace subways with overground crossings wherever possible. New zebra crossings, such as the one at the Dmowskiego roundabout or Plac Na Rozdrożu, are not only more accessible but also more comfortable, especially for people with reduced mobility. Another project is the planned crossing of Ostrobramska Street at the junction with Poligonowa and Grenadierów Streets, which will provide an alternative to the nearby footbridge.
Source: um.warszawa.pl
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