The above-ground pedestrian crossings at the Dmowskiego traffic circle and the planned reconstruction of Trzech Krzyży Square are steps in the right direction, but still too little and too late in the face of the climate crisis and road accident statistics. Why are changes in Warsaw moving so slowly?
Dmowskiego traffic circle
Pedestrians no longer have to go underground to get to the other side of Warsaw's central intersection. This significant facilitation comes after years of battles between community activists and city movements against officials and the drivers' lobby, and is the culmination of construction that has been delayed for several months. The scope of the project included the construction of four new pedestrian crossings, enlarged streetcar stops and the designation of three bicycle crossings. Around the traffic circle and on its slab, 2/3 of a hectare of greenery was planted, including 56 trees. This is the first stage of the transformation of the intersection of Marszałkowska Street and Jerozolimskie Avenue and an important element of the New Center of Warsaw program.
Dmowskiego traffic circle, before and after
photo: ZDM Warszawa
As the city authorities emphasize, this is only the first stage. After the reconstruction of the cross-city line, which PKP PLK announces will begin in 2024, the central section of Jerozolimskie Avenue will be built from scratch. The current Dmowskiego traffic circle will become an intersection with a set of crossings to complement those opened on Friday, May 13.
pedestrian bypass
Although the completed investment is described as designating crosswalks "around the Dmowskiego traffic circle," in fact this section of the investment concerns not the traffic circle itself, but the nearest blocks to it. Until the railroad line is rebuilt, the underground, inconvenient and overcrowded passages under the traffic circle itself will still be the shortest route for most users of this space. The distance between the nearest pedestrian crossings, which have just been dedicated, averages 250 meters, or about 120 meters from the center of the traffic circle. Urban movements, which have fought for the designation of crossings on the traffic circle itself, ironically call the city government's "compromise" solution a "pedestrian bypass," pointing to the still dominant role of vehicular traffic.
Twitter, screenshot
bicycle teleports
In terms of bicycle connections, too, things are better, but not perfect. First of all, unlike pedestrian crossings - bicycle crossings did not appear at all traffic circle exits. The Rotunda crossing at the extension of Parking Street was completely ignored, despite the fact that a station for the city's bicycle rental service was located next to it.
Dmowskiego traffic circle, design and reconstruction
photo: ZDM Warszawa
Crossing the traffic circle itself won' t be easy either. Those driving on Marszałkowska Street will not pass through the intersection itself. Unless on the congested roadway, as has been the case so far. To get to the other side of Jerozolimskie Avenue, one will have to turn toward Poznańska Street, making up about half a kilometer.
Plac Trzech Krzyży
Trzech Krzyży Square
photo: ZDM Warszawa
A few days after the refreshed Dmowski traffic circle was opened to pedestrians and cyclists, Warsaw has announced a tender for the reconstruction of Trzech Krzyży Square. The investment is expected to fill a gap in the bicycle route running from the city limits to the center itself, while public transport passengers will gain easier transfers. The roadways and parking lots that will remain in the square will be renovated. This, by the way, is a feature of almost all Warsaw city squares - it's hard to talk about friendly public spaces when looking at the Constitution parking lot, the Theater parking lot or the Bank parking lot. Officials don't make significant changes there, and if they do, it's only seasonally - like the relaxation zone in front of Warsaw City Hall, which disappeared after a year. The Three Crosses Square will change permanently, but the changes will not be revolutionary, and will basically happen "on the occasion" of the renovation of the road surface, which makes the square look more like a road junction.
project in progress
Photo: ZDM Warsaw
Currently, the continuous bicycle route leading all the way from Wilanów breaks off exactly in front of the Three Crosses Square, ending unexpectedly on the sidewalk at the junction with Aleje Ujazdowskie. The design of the bicycle infrastructure was, due to the complicated road layout, quite a challenge - the basic geometry of the streets could not be violated, the needs of bus transportation and the requirements presented by the conservator of monuments had to be taken into account. On the eastern side of the square, a two-way bicycle path will be designated as an extension of the route in Avenues. A further section will have one-way bicycle lanes designated on the roadway. This way cyclists will cross a section of Nowy Świat and the de Gaulle traffic circle. A bicycle lane will also be located on the west side of the square.
abandonment of greenery
preliminary design with more greenery
photo: ZDM Warszawa
There will not be much greenery in the square, which, officials explain, is due to conservation recommendations. The final version of the project is in line with his position, focusing on improving traffic conditions for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists, with an important role for city buses. The preservationist noted the existing view axes and the composition and urban layout of the square. For this reason, the street layout will not undergo major changes, and plans for greenery have also been reduced to a minimum.
