Transport Schemes for the Moscow Street Improvement Program

Over the years of city improvement, we have designed transportation schemes for more than 400 streets, covering over 1,000 kilometers — from small lanes to major transport hubs. 

We approach the street and public space design holistically, “from façade to façade”, creating an environment that supports all types of mobility.

Our solutions have shown measurable success: traffic flows more efficiently, accident rates have fallen, pedestrian zones have become more comfortable, and surface public transport has gained clear priority.

Tverskaya Zastava Square

Tverskaya Zastava Square is a major transport hub with two metro stations, a Moscow Central Diameters station, and the Belorussky railway terminal. It serves as the city’s western gateway and a key entry point to the center from St. Petersburg and Sheremetyevo Airport. It is also a historic area with dense commercial development.

The square handles significant traffic between central and northern districts. Several major thoroughfares converge here: Gruzinsky Val, 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya, 1st and 2nd Brestskaya Streets, and Leningradsky Avenue.

Problem Space

Traffic lacked organization. The layout did not reflect actual pedestrian and vehicle flows. Bus stops were located far from metro stations and the railway terminal. Parking zones obstructed transit routes.

Project Actions

We analyzed traffic flows and modeled future scenarios to improve safety and reduce congestion. Traffic patterns were reorganized, parking layouts redesigned, and the tram line restored. New routes for surface public transport were introduced. Pedestrian paths, bike parking, rental stations, and wayfinding were established.

Transit flows are now streamlined, and stop access is improved for all users. The park with the Maxim Gorky monument has become a fully functional public space.

Garden Ring

The Garden Ring is the main thoroughfare in central Moscow, redistributing traffic flows along radial routes. It connects the city’s key transport arteries and facilitates movement between central districts.

Problem Space

Traffic moved along excessively wide roadways, while surface public transport was routed through tunnels. Pedestrian crossings were sparse, and greenery was largely absent, resulting in a fragmented and vehicle-prioritized corridor.

Project Actions

A new lane configuration was introduced: three lanes on bridges and in tunnels, five on standard sections. Public transport routes were moved to the surface, enabling the creation of transfer hubs at Oktyabrskaya, Dobryninskaya, and Taganskaya squares. Bike parking, rental stations, and pedestrian navigation infrastructure were installed. Pedestrian zones were extended, and new crossings integrated into the street layout.

Connectivity and comfort have been significantly improved along the Garden Ring. Streetscape improvements, including new plantings and expanded pedestrian areas, have helped transform the corridor into a resident-oriented urban environment.

Citywide Streets:

Novaya Basmannaya

Novaya Basmannaya Street is a historic street in the Central Administrative Okrug, connecting Krasnye Vorota Square with Razgulyay Square. It serves an important transportation function.

Problem Space

The street had two wide traffic lanes, no dedicated lane for public transport, and chaotic parking that made pedestrian movement difficult. A trolleybus route ran through the area.

Project Actions

Lane widths were adjusted to standard dimensions, allowing sidewalks to be widened while maintaining unobstructed passage for private and public vehicles. Space has been allocated on the roadway for a bike lane.

Citywide Streets:

Krasnaya Presnya

Krasnaya Presnya is one of the main streets in the Presnensky District, connecting the city center with the northwestern districts. It serves both commercial and residential properties.

Problem Space

Traffic moved along four lanes in each direction. Parking was angled on both sides of the roadway, which made it impossible to create a continuous dedicated lane for public transport.

Project Actions

The street’s structure was analyzed across its entire width — from facade to facade. A continuous dedicated lane for public transport was established along the whole street. Pedestrian crossings were made convenient, safe, and accessible for people with limited mobility. Parking was moved to parallel service roads, freeing up the main traffic flow from obstacles.

District Streets:

Chertanovskaya

Chertanovskaya Street is located in the southern part of Moscow and connects the Chertanovo Northern, Central, and Southern districts. It runs parallel to the Varshavskoye Highway and provides transport accessibility to residential neighborhoods.The central part of the street is occupied by a tram line.

Problem Space

Traffic moved along three lanes in each direction. The stop infrastructure was underdeveloped, causing difficulties during passenger boarding and alighting.

Project Actions

The number of lanes on straight sections was reduced to two in each direction. The freed-up space was used to create parking areas. Tram platforms were significantly widened, and bus stops were located on sidewalk extensions — known as “bus bulbs”. Based on traffic flow modeling at major intersections, new traffic management schemes were developed, featuring additional turn lanes and pedestrian crossings.

District Streets:

Bratislavskaya

Bratislavskaya Street is located in the Maryino district of the South-Eastern Administrative Okrug. It is one of the main streets in the area, featuring a concentration of shops, cafes, and community facilities.

Problem Space

A large number of randomly parked cars along the facades and sidewalks made it impossible to create a safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Traffic flow at the roundabouts was disorganized.

Project Actions

Parking was moved to the right side of the roadway, with designated parking bays established. Service lanes with parking spaces were created along the facades. Sidewalks were widened and separated from the roadways, ensuring their continuity throughout the street. Access routes to bus stops and pedestrian crossings were organized, along with a dedicated bike lane. At the Bolshoy Bratislavsky roundabout, exit ramps were reorganized, and pedestrian crossings were added. Traffic at the Malyy roundabout was reconfigured based on a turbo roundabout design with directed entry and exit points, improving traffic capacity.

Lanes:

Bankovsky

Bankovsky Lane is located in the Basmanny District of the Central Administrative Okrug. It is a small street lined with numerous cafes. The area is a popular spot for locals to take leisurely walks.

Problem Space

Pedestrian movement was hindered due to narrow sidewalks. Parking occupied space on both sides of the roadway.

Project Actions

Parking spaces were organized into bays and reserved exclusively for residents of nearby buildings. Areas adjacent to non-residential buildings were repurposed to widen sidewalks and provide space for outdoor café seating. The alley has become more pedestrian-friendly and inviting for urban activities.

Lanes:

Starosadsky

Starosadsky Lane is a cozy street located in the historic part of the Basmanny District. It is home to the Lutheran Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, one of the area's architectural highlights. The lane is popular with both locals and tourists as an attractive part of walking routes through the city center.

Problem Space

The sidewalks were narrow, and the high speed limits compromised pedestrian safety.

Project Actions

The lane widths were reduced, and parking was organized into designated bays. The sidewalks were widened. At the intersection with Petroverigsky Lane, a bend was introduced in the roadway to help reduce vehicle speeds.

Embankments:

Ovchinnikovskaya

Ovchinnikovskaya Embankment is located in the Zamoskvorechye District of the Central Administrative Okrug. It runs along the Vodootvodny Canal, connecting residential neighborhoods with pedestrian routes in the city center.

Problem Space

With moderate traffic flow, movement was carried out in one direction across two lanes. Parking was arranged along the facades, while pedestrians were given a narrow and inconvenient space. Walking along the canal was difficult due to the lack of direct access and quality landscaping.

Project Actions

The roadway was reduced to a single lane. A promenade area was created along the canal, separated from the roadway by trees and small architectural forms. Sidewalks along the facades were widened, and parking was organized in designated bays. To improve connectivity between the neighborhoods and the waterfront, three new pedestrian crossings were added.

Embankments:

Kosmodamianskaya

Kosmodamianskaya Embankment is a major transportation artery in the Zamoskvorechye District. It offers views of the Kremlin and Kotelniki and is actively used for walking and cycling.

Problem Space

Traffic was carried out on four lanes. Parking lots and bus stops were located on the development side. The lanes were excessively wide, and the pedestrian zone along the river was undeveloped and uncomfortable. Cyclists and pedestrians clashed over the limited space. There was no access from the residential area to the waterfront.

Project Actions

One of the traffic lanes heading towards the city center was removed. A dedicated bike lane was created along the river. Five new pedestrian crossings with safety islands and traffic lights connected the residential area to the waterfront. The roadway width was brought in line with standard regulations. Previously unused sections of the embankment were improved and landscaped.

Small Squares:

Lefortovskaya

Lefortovskaya Square is located in the Basmanny District, near Russia’s largest technical university — Bauman Moscow State Technical University. Every day, hundreds of pedestrians pass through the square, mostly students.

Problem Space

The square was a signal-controlled intersection with five traffic directions. The large number of phases in the traffic light cycle led to long waits for the green signal. This caused jaywalking and created hazardous situations.

Project Actions

An uncontrolled roundabout with minimal design parameters was established in the square, taking into account the movement of municipal vehicles and public transport. Traffic flow became continuous and orderly, completely eliminating congestion on the adjacent streets. Pedestrian crossings became faster and safer.

Small Squares:

at the Artplay Design Center

A small unnamed square near the Artplay Design Center is located in the Central Administrative Okrug, close to Kursky railway station. It serves as an entry point and a connection hub between major city routes.

Problem Space

The square was a triangular intersection with chaotic parking. The space was unorganized and unsuitable for pedestrian movement. The entrance to Artplay was not highlighted in any way.

Project Actions

Part of the square was allocated for sidewalk expansion and tree planting. The width of the roadway was reduced. Parking bays were organized for taxis and people with limited mobility. Provision was also made for the potential installation of a bike lane.

Major Transport Hubs:

Savyolovskogo Vokzala Square

The square in front of Savyolovsky railway station is a major transfer hub that connects two metro stations and the Moscow Central Diameters station. The square handles a heavy flow of traffic, including surface public transport routes serving the northern part of the city.

Problem Space

The square was occupied by unorganized parking. Access to the stops was hindered. Buses and trolleybuses stopped at a considerable distance from the station and metro entrances. Transit flows from the Third Transport Ring created tense situations.

Project Actions

Transit traffic was redirected to the southern side of the square. Platforms for boarding and alighting passengers from buses arriving from all directions were organized in front of the station. Part of the area was allocated for parking and taxi waiting zones. Ground-level pedestrian crossings provided access for people with limited mobility. The remaining areas were landscaped and greened.

Small Transport Hubs:

Komissariatsky Bridge Tram Stop

The stop is located on a small unnamed square by Ovchinnikovskaya Embankment. It plays an important role in pedestrian and transport connectivity between the Boulevard Ring and the Zamoskvorechye District.

Problem Space

The area was disorganized: access roads, informal parking, and a tram stop without platforms directly on the roadway. The approach to the stop was inconvenient and unsafe.

Project Actions

The square became pedestrian-only. Raised boarding platforms matching the tram entrance level were installed at the stop. Access roads were reviewed and reorganized. Tram track traffic was redirected, and parking was reorganized. Convenient pedestrian crossings were created.