Future look of Republic Square – Belgrade center not to become pedestrian zone after all

According to officials' announcements, the works on the Republic Square should be completed by September 1, when the fully reconstructed square will open for traffic.

Although it was initially announced that the square would be turned into a pedestrian zone, the head urban planner of Belgrade, Marko Stojcic, says for eKapija that the square will not be meant for pedestrians only and that it will appear much wider visually.

– All the same streets will be open for car traffic as before, namely, Kolarceva, Francuska, Makedonska and Vasina streets. The Republic Square is officially not spatially wider than the existing borders, but only visually. There are no curbs. Instead, the sidewalks are on the level of the traffic lanes, which further contributes to the impression of width – Stojcic says and adds that the pedestrian zone around the Prince Mihailo Monument will appear much more spacious.

It is still not clear what will happen with trolleys, that is, whether the lines will still reach the Students Square.

– As for the trolley turns, they were initially meant to be moved permanently due to the construction of the underground garage, but this project has not yet been confirmed – Stojcic says for eKapija.

The excavated Wurttemberg Gate was first supposed to remain visible, but the idea has been abandoned.

– In the meantime, the ruins have been buried, and the exact location will be marked by slabs of different color along with an info panel – Stojcic announces.

I. M.