In the center of Pilsen, reconstruction of American Street has begun

Plzeň - Major problems arose for drivers in downtown Plzeň this morning. Builders began the reconstruction of the busy Americká Street. This is the largest transport project in the city in recent years. The modernization of the street into a boulevard with 43 trees and paved sidewalks will last until the end of the year and will cost 200 million crowns, said Deputy Mayor Petr Rund to ČTK.
    In the first phase of construction, which will last until the end of July, part of the road from Wilson Bridge on the English Embankment to Resslova Street is closed. Surrounding streets Františkánská, Goethova, and Martinská are also closed. Dozens of parking spaces have disappeared from the streets.
    "Drivers are managing, queues are forming only in the parks along the Radbuza River next to the Municipal Hall, where parking is additionally unavailable due to the Finále festival," said construction coordinator Václav Pelikán. According to him, however, drivers who were unaware of the event are having problems. In the coming days, they will avoid these areas.
    Merchants and entrepreneurs who have establishments on Americká Street are expecting a significant drop in revenue and supply issues. Limited transport is problematic for trucks, and the operation of public transport has fundamentally changed. Only bus line number 13 has retained its original route on Americká. The commute to work is thus taking Plzeň residents a bit longer starting today. "The modification of public transport during construction will cost 14 million crowns, which are included in the project costs," said Michal Kraus, head of the transport company.
    The five-year preparation for the renovation of Americká Street includes, in the first phase, replacing cobblestones with asphalt, which will reduce noise in the street. Excavation of the pavement on the embankment began today. The first part from Wilson Bridge to Resslova Street will last until July 31. A roundabout will be created near the skyscraper. Several phases will follow until December, extending to the U Práce intersection. The new Americká, which is currently devoid of greenery, will have wider paved sidewalks and 43 trees.
    According to Rund, the main reason for the repair is the construction of new underground energy infrastructure, which is in very poor condition. The city also wants to calm one of the busiest arteries in the center. It currently plans that the road will be passable for trolleybuses and cars up to 3.5 tons. It is not excluded that the road, which will narrow after completion, will eventually be designated only for public transport and pedestrians, as the municipality planned five years ago.
    The municipality informs about the closures, work progress, and alternative transport on the website www.plzen.eu/Americka.