Heritage officials have reservations about the new pavement of streets in Olomouc

Olomouc - The Olomouc conservationists are displeased that the city hall has removed the old cobblestones from the roadway during the reconstruction of Pekařská and Denisova streets in the city center and is replacing them with new paving. Overall, however, they positively assess the reconstruction, which will enter the final phase in August. The mayor's deputy, Martin Major, defends the new pavement. Among other things, it is said to allow for better shock absorption from tram traffic and its impact on the historical construction.
Experts from the Olomouc branch of the National Heritage Institute consider the removal of old cobblestones from the road surfaces a mistake. "The problem was clear to us, but it was hardly accepted from the very beginning," said Zdenka Bláhová from the Olomouc NPÚ, which, as a professional organization, commented on the preparation for the building permit process. The conservationists managed to ensure that the pavement was preserved at the stairway with a lamppost at the corner of Ztracená and Denisova streets.
Major was surprised by the conservationists' statement, but does not have it at his disposal. "The streets have become a first-class urban promenade, and I believe the result vindicates the designer. Beneath the new pavement is a three-centimeter rubber layer that filters vibrations from passing trams. So, it will only benefit the old buildings. As for the removal of the old pavement, we do not live in a museum, and it is necessary to respond to the demands of real-time," said Major. According to him, the old pavement could not absorb vibrations as well. However, the city will use the original cobblestones for the reconstruction of Lower Square or adjacent streets. They are currently the responsibility of the technical services.
On the other hand, the conservationists appreciated the new paving of sidewalks in both streets, which is returning to the stone slabs that were originally there. However, they find the use of small cobblestones on sidewalks in technically problematic places, such as around manhole covers, not very suitable. The conservationists welcome the widening of sidewalks at the tram stop.
The reconstruction of Pekařská and Denisova streets began in March. Repairs to the local tram line, roadway surface, and engineering networks, which were in a state of disrepair, will cost nearly 100 million crowns. The reconstruction will also impact public transport, as trams do not run through the streets.