Work began this week to adapt the city’s iconic traffic circle and monument into a more pedestrian-friendly attraction. The project has required the closure of the inner lane of the roundabout, raising the prospect of bottlenecks and delays, particularly during rush hours from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
However, Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner Israel Boruel Neri noted that the impact should be limited, since the inner lanes are “practically never used.”
The renovation calls for transforming the area around the monument to allow for close-up viewing of the eight-meter tall statue of the Roman goddess of wisdom, war and the arts. The improved public access includes the installation of safe pedestrian crossings.