Problem of transportation in Leskovac to be resolved - USAID finances elaboration of Traffic study

(Leskovac)

Within the scope of the "Municipal Economy Growth Activity" (MEGA) programme, American agency USAID will provide maximum 95,000 USD for elaboration of the Traffic study for Leskovac for the needs of General Land-utilization Plan prior to year 2020, which should be put in effect next year. The deadline for submission of bids is October 30th, and the procedure is conducted by "The Urban Institute" (in charge of MEGA programme) in association with the Leskovac Development Fund.

As the people from "The Urban Institute" explained, two main problems that the city of Leskovac is facing are development of new transportation system and water supply system. What is necessary is relocation of heavy traffic from the city center by means of construction of bypasses, of which role is currently played by Nikole Pašića Boulevard. Relocation of heavy traffic from the city center will create conditions for quicker development of pedestrian zones.

Another problem in the transportation system is insufficient infrastructure in the industrial zone because lack of junctions makes development of commercial capacities and formation of attractive locations for greenfield investments impossible. Thorough analysis of current situation in the industry and the economy shows clear need for creation of new traffic concept within the industrial zone, as well as the need for connecting these roads to the network of main and regional roads.

New Traffic study should contain the objectives of development and tasks of the transportation system, analysis of the traffic solution suggested by the General Plan in effect, review of the analysis of situation from the view point of long-term planning, as well as development of transportation system for the planned period. The document should also treat forming of transportation models for the target year, forecasts for social-economic development, as well as assumptions of spatial development, definition and plan for development of elements of transportation system. The study should also include appraisal of the solution through transportation model, draft solution for traffic infrastructure and its development in phases, as well as directions and elements for elaboration of the study on short-term measures for traffic regulation.