After almost a century and a half, no more trains are running in Utrecht on the Oosterspoorbaan. In 2012 it was decided to permanently close down the southern part of this railway track. The municipality of Utrecht wanted to transform the derelict track into a public space for cyclists and pedestrians. The construction of the last part of the park Oosterspoorbaan in Utrecht has now been completed.
Onofficial High Line of Utrecht
The new park Oosterspoorbaan is the unofficial High Line of Utrecht. Cyclists have plenty of space on a 1.2-kilometre cycle route that forms a direct link between the inner city of Utrecht and the outlying area with the Rhijnauwen and Amelisweerd estates. The new park forms the connection between two large city parks, the Singelpark and the Krommerijnpark. The park also forms the link between nine neighbourhoods previously separated by the railway track.
Railway history
The double track is still visible in the new park. As a reminder of the railway past, reused rails have been used in the footpaths and residential areas. The preservation of the railway portals and the planting of collonaded aisles ensure that the historic railway remains visible.
Co-creation
In dialogue with the residents, it was decided to give the area a natural look. The residents of the neighbourhood have voted in favour of the variant where the cycling route is partly on and partly next to the railway track, creating a varied cycling and walking route.
Spacial quality improvements in Utrecht
We have been working on various locations in Utrecht to improve the spatial quality. Previously we made the design for the new Jaarbeursplein at Utrecht Central Station. We are currently working on the landscape plan for the new residential areas in the Merwedekanaal zone. And the Catharijnesingel will come full circle again on 12 September 2020. We made the design for the connection of the canal and the construction of a new park on the east side of the canal.