The most important information (click to go)
If it were not for the flyovers, drivers would spend a lot of time waiting at closed level crossings, which would cause even worse traffic jams. This is why they are so important on the outbound route – the former DK8, which, before the A8 and S8 motorways were built, was Sobieskiego Alley.
The best indication of the flyovers’ condition is the fact that one of them (the western one, heading towards the city centre) has been partially closed for over two years – traffic is restricted to a single lane. The point is not to overload the object.
Work will begin in autumn
ZDiUM has launched a tender to select a contractor for the renovation work. In May, we will find out which companies are interested in this project. It is expected that the renovation work could begin this autumn.
Jacek Sutryk, Mayor of Wroclaw: ‘These twin structures, which are over 40 years old, require general renovation, as parts of their structure are already in a state of serious disrepair. On the flyover leading to the city centre, we had to narrow the roadway to a single lane to relieve congestion on the flyover. It is safe, but it slows down traffic and causes congestion during the morning rush hours. It is from this flyover that the renovation work will begin.’
Work on the design required for the renovation began in 2021. During the project, a decision was taken to extend the scope of the renovation work to include the construction of a footpath and cycle path, so that pedestrians and cyclists could also cross the tracks safely.
There is currently no such connection. It is not possible to cross the two roadways and railway tracks on foot or by bike, so cyclists either ride alongside speeding cars or take a detour of over a kilometre via Zakrzów to the next flyover closer to Psie Pole.
Tomasz Staruchowicz, Director of the Roads and City Management Authority in Wroclaw: ‘Additional pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, including ramps and lighting, will guide pedestrians and cyclists from Dobroszycka Street via the western flyover to Wilanowska Street. This will require the reconstruction of the road layout beneath the flyovers and the creation of the necessary space on the flyover itself.’
One flyover will always remain open to traffic
The major refurbishment of the flyovers will be carried out in several stages to ensure the disruption caused by the construction work has as little impact as possible on traffic. Flyovers remain a key component of the road network in the north-eastern part of the city. That is why one of them will always be available to drivers.
The city estimates that the major refurbishment of the flyovers will take two years, and the expansion of the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure – which will form a separate phase of this project – will take 12 months. For obvious reasons, the major refurbishment will begin with the western flyover (where part of the roadway is currently closed), and when this section is refurbished, the second, eastern flyover (towards the city exit) will be closed.
Tomasz Staruchowicz, Director of the Roads and City Management Authority in Wroclaw: ‘Co-ordinating the work on the structures themselves with train services will pose a significant logistic challenge. A detailed schedule can be agreed after signing the contract with the contractor and determining the exact timetable for the renovation work.’
The flyovers will look as good as new, and the graffiti will be brand new
Both flyovers on Jana III Sobieskiego Alley were built in 1983; they are identical in length – 338.25 m – and width – 11.38 m.
The major refurbishment involves the renovation of all 15 spans, piers, abutments, insulation and drainage systems, expansion joints, balustrades and energy-absorbing barriers.
As part of the expansion of the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, the project involves roadworks outside the bridge structures along Jana III Sobieskiego Alley and on Dobroszycka and Wilanowska streets in the vicinity of their intersections with the avenue, the construction of drainage and lighting systems, and the reconstruction and protection of the telecommunications network.
What will happen to the graffiti adorning the flyover pillars? Due to the renovation of the supports themselves, it will not be possible to preserve the paintings, as the surface of the pillars will be clad and the pillars will be reinforced. Once the work is complete, the pillars will again feature works by Filip ‘Skonta’ Niziołek presented in a fresh new style, and the city has already discussed this with the artist.
