Completed Underground Crossing
The underground pedestrian crossing on Aitmatov Avenue between Akhunbaev Street and A. Masaliev Avenue was opened after construction began in mid-October.In some cases, private plots previously owned by citizens had to be used for their construction.
Nevertheless, the question of the feasibility of building underground crossings arises. Studies conducted by Peshkom and the Institute for Transport Policy and Development (ITDP) show that even with the presence of such crossings, incidents involving pedestrians continue to occur.
As highlighted in the Peshkom report, "on roads with underground and overground crossings, drivers often do not expect to see people on the roadway, while pedestrians choose the shortest and most convenient routes to cross."
Thus, such crossings create only a "false sense of security." ITDP experts believe that the best solution is safety islands and traffic lights. Questions also remain about how authorities will maintain these underground crossings after their opening—will they be forgotten immediately?
