Part of large Bucharest boulevard to become pedestrian area

Part of the Unirii Blvd., one of the largest boulevards in Bucharest, might become a pedestrian area. A project included in the Integrated Urban Development Plan might turn the section between Unirii Square and People’s Palace into a pedestrian area, in five stages. The first stage includes the construction of a large underground parking, of some 1,000 parking spaces, in Constitutiei Square, reports local Hotnews.ro. The cars parked on the boulevard are to be moved there. Then, the number of traffic lanes on the boulevard will be reduced and the area will be redesigned. In a final stage, cars will be banned completely on this section, and only transport public vehicles and bikes will be allowed. Architects say that the traffic on Unirii Blvd. will be distributed to adjacent boulevards. The project also includes the modernization of the water fountains located on the boulevard. Moreover, there will be new street furniture, chess tables, and bike parking. Cafes and teahouses will also be located along the promenade area. Members of the Technical Planning Commission are reluctant about the project, however. The municipality and the General Council of Bucharest have the final say on this project. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com (photo source: hotnews.ro)