Pardubice - The opposition ODS in Pardubice wants to initiate a referendum or petition for the reopening of the underpass at Zelená brána in Pardubice. It has been closed since 2016 due to its emergency condition. This was stated to ČTK by councilor and MP Karel Haas (ODS). The city does not plan to reopen the underpass, as engineering networks are likely to run through it, linked to the planned renovation of the square in the near future.
"We are very sorry that the underpass at náměstí Republiky is closed. We are aware of its poor technical condition, but the closure only deepens it. Let's open the underpass, or at least ask the citizens, which is why we propose a referendum or a petition. We haven't thought through the form yet," said Haas.
According to Haas, the pedestrian street Míru deserves a better connection to náměstí Republiky and the historic part of the city, which the underpass would ensure. Therefore, the city hall should ask the people if they wish to restore it, the politician stated. However, the city claims that the connection is adequately secured by a traffic-light-controlled pedestrian crossing across the four-lane road. After the renovation of the square, it is supposed to be significantly expanded.
The underpass dates back to 1973. In the 70s, two escalators were added there, which the city removed during the reconstruction in the 90s. In 2016, the city closed it due to its emergency condition. "The underpass was used by a minimal number of people because it was not barrier-free. During the reconstruction of the square, there are no plans to restore it; we want to improve the pedestrian crossing before considering the expensive restoration of the underpass," said Mayor Jan Nadrchal (ANO).
The city plans a significant transformation of náměstí Republiky, and the underpass will likely be repurposed for something other than pedestrian use. "Significant relocations of networks will need to be done; given their density, it appears that the easiest solution would be to relocate them into the current roadway and pass them through the underpass," the mayor stated.
According to the deputy mayor Jan Hrabala (ANO), náměstí Republiky is set to change significantly and become a lively space for all people. "We are addressing the issue of the underpass; I cannot technically imagine its reopening for pedestrian passage, especially when we want to expand the pedestrian crossing to a width of 12 meters to better connect the historic center of the city with the lively street Míru," he said.
In cities around the world, there is a trend to prefer crossings, moving away from underpasses. "The trend is not random, but reflects modern urban principles that emphasize the human dimension of the city, safety, and calming traffic. Easy and direct options to cross the street motivate people to walk," stated Hrabal. The city plans to remove the structures above both entrances to the underpass, as they create a disturbing impression, he added.
The restoration of the square, or rather the investment intention, must be approved by the councilors. The city hall will also search for suitable grants. According to the mayor, relocations of the water supply could start in 2026 at the earliest, which is an optimistic outlook according to him.
ODS is currently in the opposition in this electoral period, having run in the Spolu movement, and holds nine seats in the 39-member council. ODS can submit a proposal to the city to announce a referendum; the councilors decide on its conduct.
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