The reconstruction of the underpass beneath the Brno train station is delayed; it may start this year

Brno - The reconstruction of the underpass under Brno's main train station is delayed. Last spring, the city spoke of starting the work during the last quarter of last year, but now it states that "the reconstruction could (begin this year)", wrote the ČTK spokesperson of the magistrate, Filip Poňuchálek. So far, the city has not selected a company to carry out the construction.

Vendors who had their shops in the section of the underpass under the railway tracks for several decades finished at the end of 2021. Since then, the underpass has been empty. "We must realize that the preparatory work includes, among other things, negotiations with entities outside the city itself, and attention must also be paid to other planned construction projects in the vicinity. Accordingly, the project is adjusted and the upcoming reconstruction is fine-tuned. For this reason, we have already indicated a greater time reserve in the planned schedule since last autumn," said Poňuchálek.

How long the shabby underpass will remain a place people prefer to pass through as quickly as possible is unclear. The city wants to give the underpass a friendlier appearance and place stalls with pre-selected products in it. These will include fast food, groceries, baked goods, nuts, and there should also be a newsstand. However, clothing, shoes, or handbags will not return.

In the second phase, the city plans to reconstruct the part of the underpass under Nádražní Street, leading to Josefská Street. In this case, everything is being delayed by an unresolved court dispute with the company that has the premises leased. Court hearings have been scheduled several times but have always been postponed, currently to February 15. "Only based on the decision of the appellate court will it be clear whether preparations for the second phase of the underpass reconstruction can begin," Poňuchálek said.

What seems certain is the modification of the space in front of the station, associated with restrictions on automobile traffic. According to Poňuchálek, work is set to begin in March. The several-years-old project was revived last year by the city leadership, and several barriers for pedestrians in the form of railings and edges between the roadway and sidewalks will be removed, and the number of cars will be reduced. It will not be possible to turn left into Benešova Street while driving along the train station building, but only under the viaduct. When driving from the viaduct, it will not be possible to turn left towards the station, but only right into Benešova Street. The transformation is meant to resemble the form of Joštova Street, which is adapted to prioritize pedestrians.