Modernisation of the sensitive intersection of Wolska and Młynarska streets with Solidarności Avenue in Warsaw has begun. The project involves the complete removal of the existing subways and their replacement with above-ground ones, which is expected to significantly improve accessibility for all traffic participants, including seniors, people with disabilities or parents with prams. A new green area is also being created right next to the project – the Warsaw Brewery Square, which will become an open, green space for rest and meetings for the residents of Młynów.
Wola Depot – an important transport hub
The modernised intersection is located in an intensively developing part of the Wola district. The “Zajezdnia Wola” tram stop, currently served by seven tram lines, operates in its vicinity. Traffic in this part of the city has particularly intensified following the modernisation of the tracks on Wolska Street and the reconstruction of the tram infrastructure on Kasprzaka Street.
Despite its growing traffic significance, the layout of the intersection has not been changed since the communist era. Until now, the only way to get to the other side of the street was via stairs leading to an obsolete subway. This excluded people with limited mobility.
Subways will become history
As Łukasz Puchalski, director of the City Roads Authority, pointed out, the planned transformation is part of a larger city policy:
– ‘We are consistent in our actions – we are gradually eliminating subways and footbridges, replacing them with surface crossings. In this case, we are making the investment in cooperation with the private sector, which means no expenditure on the city’s part.
The redevelopment is the responsibility of the Skanska Group, which has committed to financing the entire investment before starting its own development project at this location.
What will change at the junction?
Convenient, above-ground pedestrian crossings around the entire intersection will be created in place of the existing descents underground. Cycle paths have also been designed, which will be the start of a future cycle route connecting Wolska Street with Solidarności Avenue.
The pavements will be rebuilt and the concrete surfaces will be replaced by new greenery. Thanks to the changes, pedestrians, cyclists and people in wheelchairs will be able to reach all tram stops freely.
The mayor of the Wola district, Krzysztof Strzałkowski, stressed the importance of the investment:
– ‘With the implementation of the Warsaw dialect square project, we are creating a space friendly to every user – driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian – including those with disabilities.
The subways in Wola will disappear – a green square will be created instead
Parallel to the modernisation of the road infrastructure, the construction of the Warsaw Brewery Square is taking place, supervised by the Warsaw Greenery Management Board. The design of the green square was created in close cooperation with the residents – nearly 500 people took part in public consultations. It is thanks to their involvement that it was possible to create a concept that draws on local heritage.
– We want this place to be vibrant – a space for relaxation, neighbourhood meetings and cultural events. We are inspired by the history of Młynów, where the popular Venice Lunapark operated before the war, and later the Venice bar and PDT department store,” said Monika Gołębiewska-Kozakiewicz, director of ZZW.
What is being created on the square?
The new recreational space will include:
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park alleys and a picnic clearing with an outdoor cinema option,
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15 trees and over 25,000 plants – shrubs, perennials and bulbs,
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a playground with a linarium, parkour and calisthenics sets for youngsters,
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an outdoor gym for seniors,
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infrastructure: 23 benches, 27 bike racks, chess tables, a public toilet and monitoring.
The cost of the investment is more than PLN 7 million, most of which comes from the government’s ‘Polish Deal’ programme.
Shared responsibility for urban space
Rafał Stoparczyk, Project Director at Skanska Group, highlighted the role of sustainable urban planning:
– ‘In every investment we focus not only on the architecture of the buildings, but also on their surroundings. Greenery and friendly infrastructure are as important to us as the functionality of the flats.
In turn, the councillor for the City of Warsaw from Wola, Mariusz Budziszewski, pointed out that it was the residents who had been reporting the need for changes in the area for years.
– This is a very important moment for Młynów. I am glad that this voice has been heard. The square will be a place of integration and relaxation for all ages – especially seniors.
source: Warsaw City Hall /
photos: graphics and visuals: ZDM Warsaw, photos: Szymon Pulcyn
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