Sokolov wants to modernize the embankment of Petr Bezruč

Sokolov - Sokolov is preparing a study for the reconstruction of the waterfront of Petr Bezruč. The street in the city center is heavily used for parking, and the condition of the roadway is already inadequate. According to the study, trees along the waterfront are to be cut down, among which drivers currently have to maneuver for parking; nevertheless, the number of parking spaces would likely decrease. For next year, the city has allocated 1.2 million crowns for the project, said the Deputy Mayor of Sokolov, Karel Jakobec (ODS), to ČTK.

"The most significant change to the waterfront at Lobezský creek would obviously be the replacement of the surfaces, as there are really large holes in some places. The problem, however, is that even with the construction of the maximum number of parking spaces, there would only be half of the current number on the waterfront," Jakobec noted. In the street, which lies in the center of Sokolov near two of the largest squares, this could pose a significant problem for drivers.

The space for cars could be increased by moving the sidewalk directly into the creek's bed, thus creating a kind of hanging bridge. "This proposal would likely conflict with the flood protection system. We are currently awaiting an official statement from the Ohře River Basin," said the Mayor of Sokolov, Jan Picka (ČSSD).

Another problem on the waterfront is also the number of mature trees, some of which are already in poor condition. "Certainly, at least some trees will have to be cut down, with new planting being more focused on the opposite bank of the creek, so that the trees do not create shade into the windows of adjacent buildings," Jakobec added.

The final version of the transformation of the waterfront is expected to emerge from the project documentation next year. The city hopes to start the implementation in 2017.