Important information for all drivers planning a popular journey in Zakopane in the coming months. In Libertov, on the key section of national road No 7, the General Directorate of National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) introduced drastic changes in traffic organisation. From now until November, both lanes leading from Krakow towards Myślenice were completely closed. This is the consequence of intensive construction work related to the formation of a tunnel under the road, which means crucial obstacles and the request to prepare for extended travel time. The fresh movement organization aims to improve the work, but requires users to be more attentive and patient.
What is the fresh movement organization in Zakopane?
Drivers moving in Zakopane gotta face major changes over a distance of about 700 metres in the village of Libertów. The movement in both directions – both towards Myślenice/Zakopany and Krakow – was transferred to 1 roadway, which so far served only travelers to Krakow. This means that there is simply a two-way traffic on this 1 roadway. There are besides crucial velocity limits in this section, which are 40 km/h, and in any places even 50 km/h, which will further slow the flow of vehicles.
According to Kacper Michna of GDDKiA, cars headed towards Myślenice have 2 lanes of traffic led by Zakopane's second roadway. Drivers going to Krakow besides usage 2 lanes – 1 (left) on the existing roadway, and the another (right) on a specially prepared roadway along Zakopane. The change is valid from the vicinity of the intersection with Świetlista Street (without this intersection) to the tallness of Przydworska Street. This configuration is intended to supply maximum capacity under construction conditions, but requires peculiar caution and marking tracking from drivers.
Why is Zakopane being rebuilt?
The closure of lanes and associated handicaps are part of a larger modernisation task of national road No. 7 in Libertów. The main nonsubjective of the investment is the elimination of conflicting intersections Zakopaneki with the streets of Mount Libertowska and Świetlista. In their place, a fresh 52-metre tunnel is created, which will let safe passage between the east and western part of Libertov, importantly improving local communication and eliminating the request to cut through the main route.
In addition to the tunnel, the GDDKiA investment besides builds 3 fresh footbridges. They will replace existing ground crossings, expanding pedestrian safety and fluidity. The junctions will be built in the area of the eliminated intersection, on Libertowska Mountain and on the border of Libertov and grove. As Kacper Michna emphasizes, the improvement of DK7 and the elimination of lights at junctions importantly increase the capacity of this section of Zakopane, which in the future will translate into smoother traffic and shorter travel times, especially in the highest of the tourist season.
When is the end of obstacles and what benefits?
The current complex movement organization that has moved both lanes towards Myślenice to the other roadway will be in force until November of this year. The drivers must be aware that for the next fewer months, Zakopane will require much more time and patience in this area. However, this is simply a essential step to realise the key elements of investment.
The long-term benefits of this reconstruction are significant. erstwhile the work is done, drivers will experience a clear improvement in traffic flow by eliminating lights and collisional intersections. The tunnel will facilitate local traffic and the footbridge will increase pedestrian safety. The investment aims not only to improve transit journeys to the south of Poland, but besides to improve the comfort of life of the inhabitants of Libertov and its surroundings, offering safer and more efficient local connections.
Advice for drivers and alternatives
In the face of specified crucial difficulties, appropriate preparation for travel is essential. Drivers are advised regular checking of current GDDKiA messages and the usage of navigational applications which monitor the situation on the roads on an ongoing basis and may indicate alternate routes, if available and justified. It should be remembered that trips for Zakopane are frequently long and not always effective, so in most cases the best solution will be to be patient and adjust velocity to the prevailing conditions.
Especially during highest hours and weekends, erstwhile the traffic in Zakopane is the largest, the time of passage through the Liberts may be importantly increased. It is worth planning a journey with the right time, avoid abrupt manoeuvres and keep a safe distance from another vehicles. Consciousness of changes and reasonable behaviour on the way is the basis to minimise the negative effects of obstacles.
Read more:
Zakopane: both lanes closed until November. Drivers, prepare for giant traffic!
