The S7 extension opens (well, part of it anyway)

As got off the train at W-wa Jeziorki, I heard a disturbing sound. What I heard was the sound of a thousand lost motorists, seeking Kraków. But they'll not find Kraków. Because it's too early. Sections A and C of the S7 extension might be ready, but section B is two years behind schedule.

This evening, around six, the barriers came down and traffic was allowed, for the first time, to drive onto the southbound carriageways of the S7 at Węzeł Lotnisko (airport junction). But only as far as Węzeł Lesznowola - and there, the automotive fun comes to an end. The junction, which was meant to connect to a new local road, just drops cars off at a pair of stumps going nowhere. The new local road is not even a plan at this stage. And so motorists have to drive around the byways of Nowa Wola, looking for a way to connect with the existing DK7, that eventually connects with Section C of the extension somewhere north of Tarczyn. Sub-optimal if you are heading for Kraków. But fine for local inhabitants. Section B is said will be 'passable' (ie. just one lane open in each direction as the other carriageway is completed) between Lesznowola and Tarczyn later this year. Good luck with that.

Below: looking towards Warsaw. Note the separated carriageways - the one to the left carries three lanes with traffic from the eastbound S2, the one from the right carries two lanes with traffic from the southbound S79 and the westbound S2 (so guess which carriageway will be more congested). They merge south of the viaduct that I'm standing on.

Below: the viaduct over the S7 - note the direction 'Kraków' still taped over.

Below: the slip road to the southbound carriageway also denies Kraków.

Below: Action sunset. For the first time, traffic passes under the viaduct. It's been a little over two and half years from the beginning of works - February 2020

The opening of the service roads on either side of the S7 will be of use to the local community. I must say, however, I mourn the passing of that short window when I could walk along them, unbothered by traffic. All good things must come to an end.

Two years ago:
Infrastructure delays everywhere

This time three years ago:
Let's stop spitting at the other tribe

[today, I'm still more inclined to say "fuck 'em".]

This time four years ago:
Progress on the Działka

This time eight years ago:
Changes to Poland's traffic regulations

This time 11 years ago:
Teasers in the Polish-English linguistic space

This time 12 years ago:
Summer slipping away

This time 13 years ago:
To the airport by bike

This time 14 years ago:
My translation of Tuwim's Lokomotywa