Vitoria-Gasteiz, more city, a greener city!

A GREEN CORRIDOR, CONNECTING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, ALONG THE OLD TRAIN TRACKS

The city of Vitoria-Gasteiz is preparing itself to receive high-speed rail in the best possible way: using the land that has been freed up by sinking of the railway to extend the city public space and make it greener. The decision brings with it a challenge of improving the quality of life of the inhabitants, not only in terms of connectivity, but also using this urban opportunity to unite and strengthen the municipality as a whole.

In this context, in May of this year, the mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Gorka Urtaran, presented the proposal for the management of land freed up by sinking the railways in the capital of Alava. This work will also count on investment from the State.

The study, prepared by IDOM, aims to optimize the urban development along the 3.8 km of the existing railway line, in total almost 40 hectares of space for opportunity. With the recovery of this land, the use as a transport corridor will be maintained. While the railway will be underground, on the surface mobility will be enhanced with a new tram line, cycle lane, and slow lanes.

What is now a barrier, will be transformed into an attractive area which is open to the adjoining neighbourhoods for social and economic activity; the redensification of the city around public transport, and consolidation of its network of green and pedestrian spaces. In addition, the new proposed uses will raise the necessary investment for the urban development of the open spaces.

The news has been reported in the following media.