On Tuesday, consultations regarding the reconstruction of Jagiellonów roundabout began. The BAK company from Bydgoszcz had time until 2021 to create a project in which the roundabout would be rebuilt to be more accessible for people with disabilities and limited mobility. The details of the reconstruction were revealed by the Bydgoszcz city hall.
As part of this investment, pedestrian crossings are to be designated, stairs are planned to be reconstructed, and special elevators are to be added. There will be a total of eight elevators, each serving a different part of the intersection and tram platform. This is intended to improve accessibility to public transportation for disabled individuals.
The roadways at all entrances and exits of the intersection will also undergo adjustments, and three traffic lanes are planned for each approach to the roundabout. From the eastern side of the intersection, passengers will also be able to access the platform via stairs.
Controversy surrounds the reconstruction of Jagiellonów roundabout. What exactly is the concern?
The reconstruction of this roundabout raises obvious controversy. After all, almost all tram lines intersect here, so the investment will affect the comfort of motorists in Bydgoszcz, as well as the city’s transportation.
On the other hand, people with disabilities are concerned that elevators may not actually facilitate their movement through the roundabout because they are likely to frequently break down. Objections have already been raised by the Council for Esthetics and the Bicycle Policy Team, which pointed out that the project did not include good solutions for cycling. Criticism has also been voiced about the lack of greenery and the relatively short platforms in the concept.
In preparing the tender, the city hall emphasized that the contractor should have three alternative concept plans. The first should consider underground crossings, the second should designate above-ground crossings, and the third should be based on the designers’ own ideas. Public consultations began on Tuesday, April 18, giving residents the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the solutions that the city and its designers are preparing for this crucial section in Bydgoszcz.
Why is Jagiellonów roundabout so important?
“Jagiellonów roundabout is the most important transportation hub in the city,” said the Mayor of Bydgoszcz, Rafał Bruski, not long ago. “It was designed half a century ago, when the needs of people with disabilities and cyclist safety were not considered, among other things. We will correct this mistake. Additionally, wherever possible, we will introduce more greenery and ensure the aesthetics of the underground passage. We are constantly working on improving the accessibility of public transport,” he added.
And indeed, Jagiellonów roundabout was built (under the name XXX-lecia PRL roundabout) and put into operation in 1974. At that time, solutions such as elevators for disabled individuals or lanes for cyclists were not considered. It is clear, therefore, that significant changes are needed, both to improve conditions for cyclists and disabled individuals and in terms of aesthetics. After nearly fifty years, it is high time to modernize one of the most important transportation spots in Bydgoszcz.
