This investment has been long awaited by pedestrians and cyclists. Five new footbridges at roadway level are to be built in place of the huge structure erected in the 1970s over Jana Pawła Avenue and Rzeczypospolitej Avenue in Gdansk's Zaspa district. It is estimated that replacing the giant structure with a more friendly solution will cost about 36 million zlotys.
About the need to demolish in Gdansk the footbridge over. Al. Jana Pawła II and Al. Rzeczypospolitej has been talked about for many years. The structure, which is part of a three-level intersection, is a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists, who have to climb stairs and make up the road.
Footbridge in Zaspa. Inconvenient and in poor condition
According to old plans, the footbridge was supposed to, among other things, lead to a large shopping center, which was planned on the former runway. However, these plans were never realized, and in 2022 city councilors amended the local zoning plan. The commercial function was changed to residential with ground-floor services. Today, the footbridge is already in poor condition - this was confirmed by analyses by scientists from the Gdansk University of Technology. In recent years, however, the city's approach has been changing: pedestrian traffic has been prioritized in the Gdansk Development Strategy 2030 Plus.
Visualization of the new footbridge
© Gdańsk City Development Directorate
Officials analyzed several solutions on how to replace the ugly footbridge and at the same time facilitate pedestrian and bicycle traffic. On the agenda was, among other things, a major overhaul and demolition of part of the structure. In the end, it was decided to completely demolish it, dismantle the elevators and build shorter connections at the level of Rzeczypospolitej Avenue. After this investment, which according to preliminary calculations may consume up to 36 million zlotys, all pedestrian and bicycle traffic will take place on the same level where streetcars currently run - at the level of the Rzeczypospolitej Avenue roadway.
The amount of the revolution is not inconsiderable, so the City will apply for a grant from the European Funds. According to officials, the timing of the demolition of the old footbridge and the construction of the new layout depends on obtaining external funds, but later this spring the City plans to launch an open tender for the construction and installation works.
Footbridge over Jana Pawła Avenue and Rzeczypospolitej Avenue in Gdańsk
© Ewa Karendys
Pedestrians will no longer have an uphill climb
The investment includes the demolition of the existing footbridge, reconstruction of the intersection of Jana Pawła II Avenue and Rzeczpospolitej Avenue in Gdansk to improve pedestrian and bicycle communication of the road junction, construction of five new pedestrian and bicycle bridges and pedestrian crossings with traffic lights.
- The footbridge in Zaspa is currently a bit of an architectural barrier for some residents who face mobility problems. The new layout is expected to make it easier for pedestrians, cyclists or public transport passengers. Pedestrians and cyclists will walk on one level, without having to climb stairs or use an elevator," stresses Aneta Niezgoda of the Directorate for Urban Development of Gdansk.
The footbridge in Zaspa is in poor condition today
© Ewa Karendys
