What the Zhdanovichi market looks like now, where a big construction is underway PHOTOS
Construction has begun in Zhdanovichi on one of Minsk's longest bridges. Tochka.by looked at how the construction is progressing and what has become of the trade rows, and found out what will change for drivers and market customers this year.
Photo here and further: Tochka.by
Today, Zhdanovichi is not only one of the most famous markets in the country, but also a large construction site.
Where clothing and household goods were traded recently, equipment is now rumbling, dismantled pavilions are being removed, and the first piles are being driven as the foundation for the future overpass.
The project, which had been talked about for years, has finally entered its active implementation phase. It's about a new bridge that will be laid along Kalesnikava Street — from Liutsynskaya to Tsіmіrazeva.
The overpass will pass over the railway and partly over the market territory. For Minsk, this will be one of the largest transport objects in recent years.
As if being taken apart piece by piece
The first thing that catches the eye is the large-scale dismantling. The former clothing market has practically disappeared. Not entirely, of course, but a very significant part of it.
The area is fenced off with concrete blocks; everywhere you can see piles of garbage, metal, wooden frames, boxes, and some remnants of pavilions. Work is progressing almost without interruption.
"I worked here for 15 years and never thought that one day all of this would be torn down. On one hand, it's a pity. On the other hand, if the roads get better, maybe they're doing the right thing," says a passerby who introduced herself as Natalia.
In parallel, preparations are underway for the construction of a new highway. Along Kalesnikava Street, orange safety nets have already been installed, part of the site has been leveled, and equipment is at work.
Even late in the evening, excavators rumble, trucks move, and workers in helmets bustle. Pile-driving machines have also been brought to the site.
The market is not disappearing — it's relocating
Despite the large-scale changes, the market is not closing — it's simply being reconfigured. Part of the pavilions have already relocated: commercial outlets that were previously located near "World of Fashion — 2" are now situated closer to "World of Fashion — 1" and in the main area of the "Fashion Quarter".
The pet and garden market also changed its address — it was moved to where furniture used to be sold.
"At first, it was completely unclear where to go. Now we've figured it out. They laid concrete slabs to make it convenient to bypass the construction site. Honestly, the underground passage beneath the railway tracks has been annoying for a long time. It's so low, you can hit your head, and it's dark. It will be more convenient to walk on the bridge. We're waiting for them to finish," shares Sergei, who lives on Kalesnikava Street.
What the new overpass will be like
According to the project, the bridge will be one of the longest in Minsk. Its length will exceed 380 m, and its width will be from 41 to 48 m. This is a serious scale even by Minsk standards.
The overpass will provide three lanes of traffic in each direction. The roadway will be separated from the sidewalks by a reinforced concrete barrier. Engineers promise that the structure will be as "delicate" as possible in relation to the railway and surrounding development — without unnecessary interference with existing infrastructure.
The main task is to relieve traffic flows between two densely populated areas of the city. The bridge should provide convenient access towards the Minsk Ring Road, Zhdanovichi, and Zaslauye. Currently, these directions are often congested, especially on weekends, when the market attracts thousands of buyers.
What will happen after construction
After the completion of the works, the area around the market will noticeably change. The liberated areas are planned to be landscaped. Parking lots and commercial zones will appear here. At least, that's what they promise.
Interestingly, the space under the new bridge will also not be left empty. It is considered a functional zone. Passageways, driveways, and commercial outlets may appear there. Essentially, the market will partially move under the bridge.
This solution seems logical: to preserve commercial activity and simultaneously integrate it into the new transport infrastructure.
Life next to the construction site
For residents of nearby houses, especially along Kalesnikava Street, construction is a daily reality.
"They're making so much noise that an alarm clock isn't needed anymore. But, honestly, everyone understands: this is temporary. And my husband is really looking forward to the bridge opening. We've lived here for 10 years, and all these years we've often been stuck in traffic jams when exiting onto the Minsk Ring Road. The main thing is that it actually becomes more convenient afterward. In any case, a bridge was long needed here," notes local resident Olga.
The city is changing — and so is the market
The market, which for many years operated by its own rules, is now adapting to improved infrastructure. Modern pavilions will also be built here soon.
The new bridge will be built quickly. They promise to open it by the end of 2026.
Comments