Two superblocks, one Vitoria-Gasteiz
The Spanish city of Vitoria-Gasteiz is continuing work on two superblocks that will be monitored as part of the CIVITAS ReVeAL project.
Both actions, which began in September 2019, are being carried out to improve public space and carry on with the implementation of the mobility model based on superblocks. The ReVeAL project is providing support to monitor the impact of both actions.
In July 2019, before the beginning of the work, the Environmental Studies Centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz prepared a report of the ex-ante situation in each of the locations, collecting data on pedestrians, cyclists, private vehicle traffic, noise, and public perception.
Once the two superblocks are completed, they will be monitored again to assess their impact in terms of noise, bicycle, pedestrian and car traffic, and public perception.
The first action, which is the most advanced, is located on Médico Tornay street and surrounding areas. Previously, the space was mostly used for private vehicles and the pavements were narrow, with winding pedestrian routes. See detailed plans for the area here.
Once work is complete, the whole area will have been redesigned to create a large pedestrian space that should become the thriving centre of the neighbourhood. The intervention will cover an area of 5,500 square meters.
Previous monitoring, carried out with the help of ReVeAL, shows that 73 per cent of people were aware of the existence of the conversion of Médico Tornay’s surroundings into a superblock, and that the degree of acceptance of the measure was high.
The work will be completed shortly. The installation of new street furniture and other features such as bike stands and fountains is still to come.
The second superblock is situated near the Memorial Centre for the Victims of Terrorism. The intervention aims to rearrange public space, give pedestrians more space, and improve pedestrian and bike accessibility to the Medieval Quarter by installing escalators and a lift.
The project design includes the modification of the route for motor vehicles, the removal of parking spaces, and the creation of new bicycle lanes that will serve to connect existing lanes. See detailed plans here.
The work here has changed slightly following the discovery of the archaeological remains of an 18th century convent. This has led to slight modifications in the original project, but it is expected that the changes will not result in any delays.
Read more about the work of Vitoria-Gasteiz in ReVeAL here and the superblocks here.
