Arnhem converts paved bus lane into green cool street with bioswale

Where did the idea for this new design come from?

The bus lane in Van Muijlwijkstraat street in Arnhem was no longer in use, which opened up room for creating a bioswale. This bioswale could reduce waterlogging in an adjacent neighbourhood during torrential rain, which sparked the idea for the transformation of the bus lane. Initially, the plan only involved transforming the 350m² bus lane into a natural bioswale. However, increasingly more colleagues and departments became enthusiastic about tackling the entire street.

What measures have been taken?

Ultimately, the entire street was adapted. Thus, a project that started out small grew into a comprehensive climate adaptation and mobility project. These are the most important measures that were taken:

• A total of some 3,500m² of new greenery was planted: on the former bus lane, a section of the wide pavement and in several parking spaces.
• A large number of parking spaces have been removed, and pedestrian crossings have become safer. Residents who have difficulty walking now also feel confident enough to cross the road.
• The greenery in the middle of the road is designed to function as a bioswale. This reduces waterlogging in lower lying neighbourhoods.
• The municipality has opted for a wide variety of good quality plants and trees, in order to improve biodiversity.
• Existing trees have been retained and moved to a better growth location.
• In the bioswale and on the north side of the street, trees have been planted that will eventually provide more shade. The goal is to reduce heat stress on this street and in the adjacent houses.

Arnhem Cool Network

With its new greenery and reduction in paving, Van Muijlwijkstraat street is contributing to the Cool Network in Arnhem. The municipality is currently creating this network of cool spots and shaded routes, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030. Measures include planting shrubs, climbers and trees, or allowing trees to grow taller, in order for their canopy to provide shade. The cool network focuses on residents who are vulnerable to summer heat, e.g. because of their age, a disability, a disease, or because their house lacks a shaded outdoor area.

Lessons to be learned

A large, comprehensive project such as this requires a great deal of preparation. In addition, political support is quite helpful. This project involved an important access road and even though everyone was in favour of its transformation, opposing opinions could hardly be avoided. In such cases, it is good to have one or more council members take the decisions.

Incentive scheme grant

This project was co-funded with a EUR 330,000 grant from the Climate Adaptation Incentive Scheme.

Contact person

Ronald Bos
Gemeente Arnhem
ronald.bos@arnhem.nl