Łódź manages major road renovations and controversial forest development

The city of Łódź is undergoing extensive infrastructure and development projects. A major road renovation offensive is underway, with the goal of improving street quality and greenery by 2028. Following 85 km of road repairs in 2025 and over 40 km in 2026, additional investments are scheduled through the end of the year, including bicycle paths and various street upgrades. While these projects aim to improve urban mobility, they have caused significant traffic disruptions and detours.

Simultaneously, a controversial development plan for Las Łagiewnicki has sparked opposition. The city intends to use EU funds to build tourist attractions, including a 100-meter treetop walkway, a lookout tower on Rogowska Hill, and educational floating walkways. Local activists, including the Komitet Społeczny Zielone Serce Botanika, have appealed to Mayor Hanna Zdanowska to halt the tender process. They express concerns that the ‘design and build’ model, which prioritizes cost, may lead to insufficient protection of the local ecosystem and habitats.