The yet to be built second segment of the Buzesti-Berzei-Uranus boulevard in Bucharest has been criticized by NGOs, only days after a controversial first segment was opened to traffic.

NGOs say the second segment will affect about a hectare of Izvor park in Romania’s capital, or six percent, although Bucharest City Hall argue that only two percent of the park will be affected.

Works on the second section of the boulevard include the construction of an 800-meter underground pass underneath the Parliament hill, according to Ion Dedu, head of the Infrastructure Department within the City Hall.

The tunnel will be built at a depth of 10-15 meters and will start before the intersection of Izvor and B.P. Hasdeu streets.

“Around two percent of Izvor park will affected, a very small surface which will be restored in green areas to be created,” said Dedu during a public debate, quoted by local agency Mediafax.

On the other side, a representative of Eco-Civica organization said about one hectare, or six percent of the park, would be affected.

The second segment of the new Buzesti-Berzei-Uranus boulevard be about three kilometers long and have two lanes in each direction.

After the public debate, the project should be approved by the general council of Bucharest.

The first segment was opened for traffic on January 12. Its construction caused backlash among preservation groups as it involved  the destruction of several historical buildings.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo: Irina Popescu/ Romania-Insider.com)