Conservative candidate for mayor of Warsaw pledges more bridges

Patryk Jaki, who serves as Poland’s deputy justice minister in a government headed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, said on Monday that at least one more Vistula crossing was needed in Warsaw’s north and two more in the south.

His pledge comes after the opposition party Civic Platform’s candidate Rafał Trzaskowski last week said Warsaw did not need more bridges for cars but could benefit from some for pedestrians and cyclists.

Jaki said that a proposed bridge connecting Targówek, the second most populous district east of the Vistula, with the much quieter Żoliborz in the west had caused too much controversy and that he would consult with residents to find a better location for a new northern crossing.

He added that work on a bridge connecting Wilanów in Warsaw's southwest with Wawer in the east should start next year.

Together with the completion of the Southern Bridge, due in 2022, the total number of bridges in Warsaw would grow to 11.

Jaki said three new bridges would reduce pressure on the existing eight and make life easier for people trying to cross the river.

The bridges are Jaki’s third major campaign promise after previously pledging to build parking lots for Warsaw residents and 500 new preschools and nurseries.

The first round of local government elections will be held in Poland between late October and early November. (vb/pk)

Source: IAR