<Moskevskou> Street is facing a radical transformation, repairs will begin in April

Prague - Moscow Street in Prague 10 is set for a radical transformation. The tram track, sidewalks, and utility networks will be repaired here. After the reconstruction, about two kilometers of bike lanes, a hundred benches, and greenery will be added. Car traffic is expected to be reduced by half. The extensive reconstruction, which will involve not only Prague 10 but also the public transport company, water management company, and road management, will begin in mid-April, said Ivana Cabrnochová, the deputy mayor of Prague 10, today to ČTK.
    "The reconstruction of the tram track and underground networks would happen anyway. Since the roadway and sidewalks will already be dug up, it would be a shame to put everything back to its previous state before repairs. Therefore, we had a study prepared that will elevate the appearance of Moscow Street to the level of shopping streets typical in developed countries - for example, in Vienna, Austria," Cabrnochová stated.
    Local citizens could also participate in the new design of the street. "A special website was created, officials and politicians went directly to Moscow Street repeatedly and discussed with street users and residents over a model," Cabrnochová mentioned. Citizens' comments regarding furniture, greenery, or front gardens were incorporated into the urban architectural study. This was done by the architectural office Cigler Marani Architects, which is also behind the proposals for the planned design of Wenceslas Square and the commercial-administrative center Copa on Spálená Street.
    Excavators and jackhammers are set to begin work in Moscow Street around mid-April. "The reconstruction will start with the most critical section - the renewal of some parts of the tram track and sewer at the intersection of Francouzská, Ruská, and Moskevská streets, and will continue towards Sportovní Street," the deputy mayor stated.
    Trams will not run here from April to October, with finishing works extending into 2014. "Since this is a repair of a street where some networks have not been fixed for up to a hundred years, we can expect some underground surprises," Cabrnochová added.
    The aim of the revitalization, according to the leadership of Prague 10, is to balance the space allocated for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The number of parking spaces is expected to remain mostly untouched. The street will be equipped with benches, new lighting, stops, bike racks, and dog tie-up areas. "The amount of greenery will significantly increase, especially in the area of Vršovického náměstí, and noise from tram and car traffic will decrease due to higher quality tracks and quieter surfaces," Cabrnochová said, adding that over 160 seats and 156 new trees should appear on the street. The amount of space for pedestrians is expected to increase by 85 percent.
    The municipal district, which wants to have Moscow Street as the "extended center" of the metropolis, has allocated 40 million crowns for the reconstruction. "Discussions are still ongoing regarding the share of other involved companies," Cabrnochová noted. According to her, the total amount is expected to range around 200 to 300 million.