Drivers in central Poznań will need to adjust their usual routes from Tuesday, 3rd November, when a section of ul. Kościuszki closes to traffic as part of the ongoing tram line construction along ul. Ratajczaka.
The temporary closure will affect the junctions around ul. Kościuszki, ul. Ogrodowa and ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich, with changes to vehicle movements and diversions for both drivers and cyclists.
The works form part of the wider project to bring a new tram route through ul. Ratajczaka, an important connection in the city centre. This latest stage focuses on underground utilities that need to be moved or replaced before construction can progress.
Kościuszki closure and new driving routes
An approximately 70-metre section of ul. Kościuszki will be completely closed while contractors reconstruct existing telecommunications infrastructure and install a new gas pipeline along ul. Ratajczaka and ul. Niezłomnych.
The new pipeline will also cross ul. Kościuszki, making it necessary to close the affected section while the work is carried out.
Drivers travelling from ul. Ogrodowa towards Rataje will be redirected along ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich, al. Niepodległości and Matyi. At ul. Matyi, drivers will need to turn back using the existing connecting road.
The changes will also affect drivers approaching from ul. Św. Marcin. Those travelling along ul. Kościuszki who want to reach Stary Browar will need to turn left into ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich and continue towards the shopping centre using the temporary route along ul. Ratajczaka.
Drivers turning right at this junction will instead be directed towards the diversion serving Rataje and Wilda.
Drivers approaching from ul. Ogrodowa will still be able to turn left into ul. Ratajczaka and reach the Stary Browar.
Traffic between the junction of ul. Ratajczaka with ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich and ul. Ogrodowa, and the junction with ul. Kościuszki, will run over prefabricated concrete slabs.
The slabs already incorporate the tram tracks, allowing vehicles to use this section while other parts of the infrastructure remain under construction.
Drivers should pay particular attention to the temporary road layout around these junctions, especially during busy periods.
To maintain a continuous cycling route through the area, cyclists will be redirected along ul. Półwiejska and ul. Ogrodowa. The contractor will monitor traffic conditions throughout the works and arrange for manual traffic control at particularly busy times if necessary.
Work planned ahead of the winter break
The temporary closure is intended to allow the underground infrastructure to be reconstructed in one coordinated operation.
According to Poznańskie Inwestycje Miejskie, completing the work in this way should reduce the risk of damage to existing utility networks and avoid additional costs and delays associated with carrying out the work in several stages.
The construction schedule has also been arranged around the seasonal availability of asphalt production facilities.
The contractor plans to lay the first layer of asphalt before the winter break, providing a smoother surface for traffic. The final wearing course will be added next year and the closed section of ul. Kościuszki is expected to reopen before Christmas.
For residents, commuters and visitors travelling through this part of the city centre, the coming weeks will mean a slightly different journey. Drivers heading towards Stary Browar, Rataje or Wilda should allow extra time and follow the temporary signage, while cyclists should use the designated diversion.
