site.btaTsar Osvoboditel Boulevard to Become Pedestrian-only during August Weekends as Part of New Initiative

Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard in the section between Knyaz Alexander I Street and Vasil Levski Boulevard will be converted into a pedestrian area during all August weekends as part of Sofia Municipality's summer initiative. It aims to open up one of the most recognizable places in the city for walks, meetings and urban life, the Municipality announced on Thursday.

The traffic restriction will apply from 6:00 a.m. on Saturday until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. From Monday to Friday, traffic on the boulevard will proceed as usual.

The passage through the boulevard along G. S. Rakovski Street and at Narodno Sabranie Square will remain in place. Urban transport will operate without any changes in service, with the exception of night transport, which will pass along Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Blvd. Cars will be directed to detour routes along Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Blvd., Vasil Levski Blvd., Knyaz Alexander I Street and Gurko Street.

"Sofia needs more lively urban spaces where people can meet, communicate and spend time together. This summer initiative is an invitation to look at the heart of the city in a different way - not just as a place we pass through, but as a place we want to stay," said Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, as quoted by the Municipality. In his words, when more space is given to people, the city becomes more alive, more beautiful and more welcoming.

Sofia Municipality points out that the initiative also aims to limit noise and harmful emissions in the central city area, as well as to preserve the cultural and historical heritage. They add that the space around the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the Royal Palace, the City Garden and Knyaz Alexander I Square will be accessible for more pedestrian activities in August, which is traditionally the month with the lowest car traffic in Sofia.

Parking options in the area are maintained, with the parking lot at Knyaz Alexander I Square being accessible from Aksakov Street and Dyakon Ignatiy Street. Detailed information on traffic organization, public transport routes, and access to the area will be published in advance by the Sofia Municipality and the Urban Mobility Centre before each weekend.

With its new summer initiative, Sofia joins the practice of a number of cities around the world to open central spaces for pedestrians and public activities, the Municipality notes.