Written by : Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris
ITDP brings you a monthly digest of sustainable transport and urban development news from around the world. From Paris’ plan to pedestrianise the banks of river Seine to Seoul’s proposal to convert a flyover into a park, this month’s InFocus looks at cities tackling pollution and congestion by erasing highways and replacing them with parks. “It’s an urban project, something almost philosophical, which involves envisaging the city in an alternative way than through the use of cars.”
Written by : Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris
“It’s an urban project, something almost philosophical, which involves envisaging the city in an alternative way than through the use of cars.”
– Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris
Paris to pedestrianise a highway along the river Seine
The proposal looks at replacing a busy highway flanking the banks of river Seine with waterside gardens, children’s play areas, and grassy walkways. This project, estimated to cost over 55 crore rupees, is expected to lead to a 15 per cent drop in nitrogen dioxide levels as well as a reduction in noise pollution. The Guardian reports.
Seoul to transform a flyover into a public park
Originally used for vehicule traffic, the 70s-era Seoul Station Overpass is now being converted into an urban park. The proposed project, to be completed in 2017, will include native plants, tea shops, and a street library. Citylab reports.
A large number of cities have discovered the benefits of highway removal
From San Francisco to Madrid, removing highways and replacing with parks has helped reduce pollution, increase property values, and provide a better quality of life for citizens. Gizmodo documents six such projects that have benefitted their cities. The ‘Life and Death of Urban Highways’ presents alternatives to building new urban highways.