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Pedestrian underpassCzechia

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Traffic rules
Czechia

52. Pedestrian underpass

A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to travel beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without crossing the traffic route at the same level. It is a form of grade-separated pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian underpasses may be reached by stairs, ramps or lifts and can form part of a wider footpath or pedestrian network. Cyclists and other users may use the underpass only when the design, signs and local regulations permit them to do so.

Entrance to the underpass at Florenc metro station near Křižíkova Street. (Prague, Czechia)
Wikimedia.org • ŠJů • CC BY-SA
What is a pedestrian underpass?

A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to cross beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without entering the traffic route above.

Why are pedestrian underpasses used?

They separate pedestrians from motor vehicles, trains or other traffic, reducing direct conflicts at busy or high-speed crossings.

Is a pedestrian underpass the same as a tunnel?

Not exactly. A pedestrian underpass is specifically intended to allow pedestrians to pass beneath an obstacle, while a tunnel can carry roads, railways, pedestrians or other forms of transport.

Is an underpass the same as a pedestrian overpass?

No. An underpass passes beneath the obstacle, while an overpass or footbridge carries pedestrians above it. Both provide grade-separated crossings.

Can cyclists use a pedestrian underpass?

This depends on the signs and design of the facility. Some underpasses are shared with cyclists, while pedestrian-only underpasses may require cyclists to dismount.

Can a pedestrian underpass have a cycle path?

Yes. Some underpasses contain separate or shared pedestrian and cycle facilities so both categories can cross safely away from motor traffic.

Can motor vehicles use a pedestrian underpass?

No when the passage is specifically reserved for pedestrians. Maintenance or emergency access may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

Can an underpass be accessible to wheelchairs?

Yes, when suitably designed. Ramps or lifts can provide step-free access, although accessibility depends on the individual facility.

Do pedestrians have to follow signs inside an underpass?

Yes. Users must follow any signs indicating permitted users, direction of travel, separated sections or temporary closures.

Can a pedestrian underpass be temporarily closed?

Yes. Maintenance, flooding, construction, safety concerns or other circumstances may require temporary closure or diversion.

Does an underpass give pedestrians priority over traffic above?

The underpass physically separates the movements, so pedestrians do not directly cross the traffic route above. Priority rules still apply wherever the pedestrian route later crosses another roadway or cycle facility.

What should cyclists do in a pedestrian-only underpass?

Where cycling is not permitted, cyclists should dismount and continue on foot if pedestrian access with a bicycle is allowed.

1 Czechia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Advisory speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Pedestrian zone 12 Speed bump 13 Customs 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 School area 28 Crossing animals 29 Slippery road 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Priority at the next junction 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Junction layout 45 Bike box 46 Speed feedback 47 Location marker 48 Countdown markers 49 Traffic mirror 50 Emergency telephone 51 International border 52 Pedestrian underpass 53 Cycling route 54 Parking 55 No parking 56 No stopping 57 Park and ride 58 Kiss and ride 59 Disabled parking 60 Traffic management 61 Reversing 62 Road surface 63 Provisional licence 64 Hazardous cargo 65 Runaway truck ramp 66 Tourist attraction 67 Axle weight limit 68 Licence plate 69 Charging station 70 Dangers 71 Cyclist 72 Bus 73 Police 74 Ambulance 75 Taxi 76 Police signals 77 European emission standard 78 Pothole 79 Path 80 Particulates 81 Air pollution 82 Rush hour 83 Road code 84 Train station 85 Street gutter 86 Cargo bike 87 Forestry vehicle 88 Construction vehicle 89 Semi-trailer truck 90 Trolleybus 91 Speed pedelec 92 Delivery vehicle 93 Idling 94 Tow truck 95 Four-wheel drive 96 No vehicles 97 Bicycle 98 Motorcycle equipment 99 Tram 100 Rail track ...