Pedestrians face significant challenges when trying to access the Mikhailovskaya embankment from the city center due to urban planning flaws and ongoing construction. A once-pleasant route has become a difficult and uncomfortable journey, raising questions about prioritizing pedestrian needs in Novosibirsk’s urban development.

The primary obstacle is Budagov Square, complicated by the “Gorodetsky hump” overpass built in the early 2010s. This overpass, intended for a future bridge interchange, has created a circuitous and unpleasant detour for pedestrians, adding considerable distance and exposing them to heavy truck traffic. Urban planner Alexei Gritsenko identifies the square as a major urban planning error.

One proposed solution involves constructing an underground pedestrian crossing with multiple exits, including access to the “City Beginning” park, the historical quarter on Bolshevistskaya Street, Fabrichnaya Street, and Krasny Prospekt. Such a crossing would provide a safe and convenient passage, connecting key tourist attractions and residential areas.

Interestingly, a partially underground crossing existed before the construction of the overpass but was buried during construction. Local historian Konstantin Golodyaev notes that the old structure was eliminated due to construction interference.

While the construction of an underground crossing could be larger and more expensive than existing ones, experts suggest that it could become a tourist attraction with potential commercial spaces. Alexander Nazarov, managing partner of Nazarov&Partners, envisions an underground cluster with museums, workshops, and micro-businesses. He draws a comparison to underground crossings in Istanbul, but acknowledges that additional functions may be needed to address Siberia’s seasonal pedestrian traffic.

Technical challenges, such as crossing the underground Kamenka River channel, are considered solvable. Alexander Polyakov, a representative of Lenmetrogiprotrans JSC, suggests that the crossing could be built in an open way. He also points out the existence of a conserved ventilation chamber under Ippodromskaya Street that could be repurposed as an underground pedestrian crossing.

Potential funding sources include city and regional budgets, as well as private investors interested in commercial opportunities within the crossing. VKD Group, implementing the Inskiye Gory project, could benefit from improved pedestrian access. However, the company said it was not aware of any city plans.

Despite the potential benefits, the Novosibirsk City Hall reports that the creation of a comfortable pedestrian passage to the embankment is not a priority. A response to the NGS regarding the possibility of using the ventilation chamber under Ippodromskaya Street is forthcoming.