Nowe drogi w krajobrazie podmiejskim – różne aspekty przestrzeni

The paper presents different examples of existing and planned system of Gdańsk Agglomeration's bypasses, localised mostly in suburban landscapes. It shows not only the potential threats for the suburban landscapes caused by construction and operation of new roads, but also the chances of improvements in the landscapes of chosen places and areas. Detailed description of environmental, visual and cultural impacts is presented for every chosen example. One of tools, which regulates problems with the landscape quality management, is Environmental Impact Assessment procedure (EIA). It is obligatory by law for all planned activities that might seriously affect the environment. That also includes major roads changing the quality of suburban landscape. Systematic and interdisciplinary approach realised by EIA ensures the proper assessment of landscapes' values and threats, to see technical, environmental, cultural, visual, social and economic problems not in isolation, but in their mutual relations. It helps to make a decision on most desired shape of a future development, including new road systems. It is especially important in the areas, where many different circumstances have to be taken into account, and the problem is to consider in a complex manner advantages and threats, and to compare strong and weak aspects of space, to ensure the best choice. ElAs may be helpful in avoiding and minimising negative impacts, but also in promotion, exposure, and better access to natural and cultural heritage of objects and areas, as well as in better management of their surroundings. Under some conditions, the road construction in suburban areas may open up new opportunities for the sustainable city development. This thesis has been illustrated by proposal of mitigation measures given for chosen cases.