Košice, Slovakia
Creating safer crosswalks in the city center
The Project
The “Time to Slow Down” project in Old Town Košice in Slovakia transformed an important but dangerous intersection and neglected plaza into a safer, more vibrant downtown destination. The project included the reimagining of the four-lane road where traffic collisions and dangerous encounters between vehicles and pedestrians were common, encouraging safer driving speeds, making it easier to walk and cycle through the neighborhood, and creating a more attractive public space complete with a new ceramic mosaic created by the local community.
- The percentage of drivers exceeding the speed limit dropped from 62% to 24%, and the highest measured speed dropped from 79 kph to 59 kph
- The percentage of people feeling unsafe dropped among all travelers, with the steepest drops among pedestrians, cyclists and parents with kids, which each fell by 50% or more
- The shortened crossing distance allowed pedestrians to cross the street 31% more quickly.
Reshaping a critical and dangerous intersection and neglected plaza in Košice
“I know from my own experience how dangerous this intersection is. I am very happy that, thanks to this civic activity, we are pushing the boundaries of transport solutions in our city precisely in problematic places. It will be an interesting experience not only for us, but also, I believe, for other state authorities.
I believe that by joint efforts we will contribute to the improvement of the traffic situation in the city and with gradual steps we will be able to find appropriate and modern solutions that are now the standard in developed European countries.”
Marcel Gibóda, Košice Vice Mayor
Use the slider to see the transformation
Best Practice Highlight: Slowing Traffic Speeds to Save Lives
This project used traditional engineering techniques to slow traffic speeds and make it easier for pedestrians to cross, creating new spaces for artwork in the process. The enhanced design shortened several crossing distances, widened crosswalks, removed one vehicular travel lane, protected sidewalks with new mobile curbs, and expanded an important center refuge island, making pedestrians more visible.
Press
Colors Flooded the Dangerous Intersection near Jumbo Center. Crossing the Road Will Be Safer (Korzár SME, August 30, 2023)
The Dangerous Intersection in Košice Will Change: Cars Will Slow Down, Pedestrians and Cyclists Will Get More Space (Dennik N, August 25, 2023)
In Košice, it is One of the Most Dangerous Places for Pedestrians. It Will Be Changed (Korzár SME, February 10, 2023)
The Area Around the Roundabout on Gorkého Street Will Change its Face (telKE, October 13, 2022)
A Grant from an American Billionaire Will Support a Transport Experiment in Košice (Korzár, SME, October 11, 2022)
For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.
