Pardubice are preparing to calm traffic at Republic Square

Pardubice - The transformation of the Republic Square in Pardubice is expected to bring traffic calming. The city is preparing a series of measures to relieve the historic center from car congestion. This is taking shape, for example, at two traffic lights on Sukova Street. This was stated by Deputy Mayor Jan Hrabal (ANO) to ČTK.

The municipality is preparing the revitalization of the areas where people walk, while also making changes to the communication. This will start on Sukova Street, which connects to the square, where two traffic signal-controlled intersections will be created.

"We will adjust the traffic regime to prevent congestion on Republic Square. Two new traffic light intersections will be created from Sladkovského Street and from Na Hrádku Street, where a new parking garage is located," said the deputy mayor. The city is likely to make the investment in the near future, he added.

On Republic Square, two large bus bays will disappear, and the space for pedestrians will be enlarged. Buses will stop in the traffic lanes on both sides. "The completion of the northeast bypass will help facilitate traffic through the square; motorists heading to Polabiny, Dubina, or the highway should primarily use the bypass instead of driving through the city’s heritage conservation area," said Hrabal.

The city has been preparing the renewal of Republic Square for several years. It wants more trees and additional greenery or benches in the area. "The revitalization aims to unify and calm the entire square. In addition to removing disruptive elements and unifying surfaces, the project focuses on modernizing street furniture, adjusting public transport stops, enhancing the greenery, and creating quiet zones for relaxation," said Hrabal.

The opposition has criticized the municipality, particularly regarding traffic measures that they believe will instead overwhelm the square. The ODS even organized a petition against them. The project is expected to be completed this year, and the investment running into tens of millions of crowns will still need to be approved by the councilors. "Republic Square has enormous potential, and its transformation will be one of the key steps toward improving public space in the city," said Mayor Jan Nadrchal (ANO).

The original idea was to restore the areas near St. Bartholomew's Church and the Green Gate. Gradually, the proposal expanded to the other side, where the Grand Hotel and the East Bohemian Theatre are located. New trees will be planted in front of the Grand, and in Tylova Alley by the theatre, architects have proposed a flowerbed in large pots with benches along the edges.

"The architects are also addressing the lighting of key heritage sites, especially the Green Gate, St. Bartholomew's Church, and the adjacent belfry. The goal is to highlight the historical character of this part of the city," said Hrabal.

The city is also dealing with the underpass, which has been closed since 2016. Overhead entries will be removed from the square. It is still undecided what will happen with the underground part. "We are considering whether it is worthwhile to keep the underpass in a preserved state. It will be necessary to relocate many utilities; perhaps a combined collector of utility networks could be routed there," said Hrabal.