Głos Wielkopolski: Countdown for EURO

Poznań will be one huge construction site for the five forthcoming years. The major investments include: modernization of the Municipal Stadium, reconstruction of PKS bus station, construction of new roads and modernization of "Ławica" airport and of railways stations.

Ryszard Grobelny, the president of Poznań, claims that the Municipal Stadium at Bułgarska street must be ready by 2010. It will accommodate 50 thousand fans. Parking lots (225 places for buses  and 1750 for cars) will be constructed nearby. The cost of stadium’s expansion amounts to PLN 400 million (over EUR 105 million). The first test for the facility at Bułgarska street will be the UEFA Cup Final in 2010.

The following towns and cities are considered as training centers for football teams: Wronki, Grodzisk Wlkp. Szamotuły, Opalenica, Pniewy, Swarzędz, Pobiedziska and Poznań. Beside Poznań the first two cities have the greatest chance to host the teams. It is necessary to complete the construction of A2 motorway from Nowy Tomyśl to Świecko and acceleration of the construction of S5 express road, enabling fast connections among three host cities of the championships: Wrocław, Poznan and Gdańsk. Its is also necessary to modernize the roads connecting Poznań with training centers, particularly with Grodzisk Wlkp. and Wronki. In Poznań it is necessary to improve efficiency of access to A2 motorway, the stadium and "Ławica" airport. This will be possible due to construction of 3rd transport framework.

Poznań bus rolling stock was recently renewed but the city lacks modern, low floor tramways. Their purchase will cost PLN 450 million (over EUR 118 million). The Route of Poznań Fast Tramway will be extended as far as to the Western Station. The tramways from Nowe Zawady will reach the Poznań East Railway Station. A tramway route will be created to connect Lech housing estate with Franowo district, where the tram depot will be constructed.

"Ławica" Airport requires not only an expansion but also fast and collision-free connections with the stadium. To this end Bukowska street, connecting the terminal with city center, is planned to be reconstructed.

In 2012 "Ławica" airport will be capable of admitting 3 million passengers annually. The city also obtained permission to use the parking apron of the Krzesiny airport for charter flights.

Talks are underway with representatives of PKP (Polish State Railways) on modernization of the railways station. They also focus on securing good transport connection between the railways and bus stations.

 The PKS bus station will also be reconstructed. It will be an important transport node because fans’ lodgings will be dispersed across the entire agglomeration.

Source: "Poznań – Countdown for EURO", Bogna Kisiel, "Głos Wielkopolski", 16th May 2007