New pedestrian crossing opens at Prague's náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad

One of the more treacherous street crossings in Prague just became safer. Pedestrian crossing lights have been installed at náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, where Vinohradská, U Vodárny, and Slavíková streets meet, and white lines have been painted on the black asphalt.

Previously, the corners were blocked with fences, and people were supposed to cross by going down into the metro vestibule and back up again, though many people crossed at the intersection or in the middle of the block instead.

The new pedestrian crossings should not slow traffic, as there were already lights at the intersection to stop cars.

Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad is one of the main points for public celebrations in the Prague 3 districts. Aside from the farmers market that takes place there four times a week, there are also concerts and themed festivals for beer, wine, ethnic food, and Czech holidays.

The change comes ahead of a planned renovation of the square to make it more user-friendly. At the same time, work has also already started on renovating the Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad metro stop to add an elevator and upgrade the escalators.

“[There are] new barrier-free crossings at the previously dangerous tip of náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad. After a long effort, we managed to achieve a change that precedes the reconstruction of Vinohradská Street and the entire square. We wish you a comfortable and peaceful crossing of neighbors,” the Prague 3 administration announced on Facebook.

Prague Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr was enthusiastic about the new crossings. “The crossings from Vinohradská and náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad is finally working, Hurrah! They have been missing here for a long time,” Scheinherr said on Facebook.

“I want Praguers to feel comfortable on the streets and interested in spending time in them. … We all benefit from the pleasant environment in which we live. Residents and entrepreneurs. More than a third of all traffic in Prague takes place on foot. Walking is the most natural and gentle type of movement, so we must take it seriously, he said.

He pointed out the city has also recently added a pedestrian crossing at the museum oasis at Legerova and Vinohradská streets, again making it unnecessary to use an underpass. Previously, the “sidewalk of death” from behind the National Museum to main train station Hlavní nádraží was widened. New pedestrian crossings were also created at Karlovo náměstí, among other similar projects.

“These ‘little big little things’ in our streets do a lot for our daily lives,” he said.

The crossing lights at náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad were installed by the company Eltodo for about CZK 4 million. Technical Road Administration (TSK) spokeswoman Barbora Lišková said the traffic lights would now give trams priority.

“When creating the crossings, the only major intervention was the demolition of the existing wall in the corner of the square, where there was originally only greenery,” Lišková added.