Development of the transport network considering the specifics of Lviv’s planning structure (compared to Leipzig and Krakow)

Abstract

The relevance of this study is determined by the need to adapt the transport network of Lviv to the requirements of modern urban traffic. The planning structure of Lviv was formed based on radial roads, later developing ring connections, which is typical for most European cities, but eventually acquired its own characteristics. The purpose of this study was to analyse the specific features of the current planning structure of Lviv, which affect the development of urban transport infrastructure and mobility of each mode of transport. The methodology of this study involves analysing the modern street and road network as the formative basis of the planning structure of the city of Lviv and assessing transport mobility based on geospatial data from open sources. Comparison with similar European cities, such as Leipzig and Krakow, helps to highlight the specific features and rational ways of developing Lviv’s transport network. The results of the study point to the main feature of Lviv’s planning structure, which is its compactness and high population density – twice as high as in comparable cities. This makes it impossible to adapt the transport infrastructure for car travel and highlights the need to improve public transport networks and cycling infrastructure as more efficient and environmentally friendly ways of urban transport. However, the study of urban transport mobility found that the means of limiting the use of private cars in Lviv are inferior to those implemented in comparable cities, and the public transport network and bicycle infrastructure are underdeveloped and do not provide a quality alternative to car travel as of 2023. The practical value of the study lies in highlighting the most problematic aspects of Lviv’s transport infrastructure that require urgent decisions to function in the context of the specific planning structure of the city