We reported on May 19 that new blocks of flats would be built in the center of Bolesławiec. The matter returned during the May session of the Bolesławiec City Council. A question was raised as to whether the new housing estate on Staroszkolna Street would cause a traffic nightmare in this part of the City of Ceramics.
President Piotr Roman, in his reply, began by saying that many apartments are being built in Bolesławiec even though the population is declining. He added: – At the same time, we notice that there are more and more cars in the city. Where do they come from? One could give a long lecture on that.
He immediately stressed, however, that the city authorities were pleased that new housing was being built, especially when it was being developed by entrepreneurs from the City of Ceramics. (That is the case here. The investment is being carried out by Krzysztof Ramza.)
He then addressed the issue of the alleged traffic Armageddon. He informed the councillors that building a roundabout currently costs between PLN 10 million and PLN 12 million. – I was also surprised by this price, but it was demonstrated to me during a meeting at the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways – he concluded, openly stating that solving the problem would certainly be costly.
He later reminded the councillors that in a city of 40,000, there are 60,000 cars during the day, and sometimes even more. He then commented: – So where are all these cars supposed to fit? This problem cannot be solved through parking lots; it can only be alleviated. It cannot be solved completely. The Ukrainian women I talk to say: but this is a small city, we walk everywhere.
He also added: – We can draw on the experience of the housing estate on Śluzowa Street and consistently build new roads.
What ideas are there to avoid a traffic Armageddon?
The mayor acknowledged that if traffic were routed solely toward the Chrobrego–Staroszkolna intersection, the entire operation would fail. He listed the following key issues:
- Hutnicza Street;
- access from Staroszkolna Street to Bolesławiec’s east–west artery. (A roundabout is to be built there);
- the second section of the Bolesławiec bypass. (Local government officials want it eventually to be possible to travel from Staroszkolna Street to the aforementioned bypass, and from there to Road 297);
In conclusion, P. Roman stated: – We will not solve the problem of the transport network by rebuilding one intersection, because that will achieve nothing. The network should allow traffic to leave smoothly.
What do you think? We invite you to join the discussion.