UTRECHT, 16 November 2008 – In consultation with the A2 Maastricht project team, the Avenue2 consortium has developed its own unique approach for A2 Maastricht project. On 16 November, Avenue2 and two other selected market parties published their plans, and the consultation stage of the redevelopment of the A2 motorway and the city centre of Maastricht commenced.
Green Carpet. Naturally
Avenue2 adopted Maastricht and its inhabitants as the basis for the plan known as ‘The Green Carpet. Naturally’ and has dug deep to devise a solution. Cars, trucks and motorcycles are to be concealed underground, thus finally achieving what has been the topic of much discussion for several years. Avenue2 aims to create a verdant avenue in the area above the tunnel to be constructed. The plan will basically turn a grey area green again. This avenue is to be extended in both northerly and southerly directions. It will therefore become a verdant route, which meanders through the city like an unfurling ribbon: The Green Carpet.
The Green Carpet, a route planted with some two thousand trees, which links the city centre to the surrounding areas. Together with the Green Carpet, however, Avenue2 offers Maastricht opportunities for change, improvement and connection.
Avenue2’s plan comprises ten unique features, three of which form its core: The Green Carpet, Parklaan and the stacked tunnel.
The Green Carpet
The Green Carpet lies at the heart of Avenue2’s plan. In the consortium’s opinion, the layout of the area above the tunnel calls not only for an urban approach in the form of a traffic boulevard, but also a rural one in the form of an avenue for relaxation and recreational purposes. Avenue2’s Green Carpet will also transform the current A2 zone into a connecting area for the city. Moreover, it is to be rolled out further than the area above the tunnel alone. The carpet is to snake form north to south, bisecting the city centre. The route is also to be given a woodland appearance through the inclusion of several thousand lime trees, planted in rows of four to eight broad. This should lend the avenue a certain allure, so that it emanates an appropriate atmosphere of tranquillity, space and liveliness.
Parklaan
‘Parklaan’, which translates literally as Park Lane, is part of the Green Carpet: the space above the tunnel. This is to become a verdant avenue, which is quite protracted while remaining intimate, with a layout that focuses primarily on cyclists and pedestrians. Avenue2 envisages that the avenue will comprise around half the asphalt of the current area. Together with its verdant character, this should detract from the impression of Parklaan as a traffic artery. Instead, it will become a connecting element that seamlessly blends into the existing surroundings.
The stacked tunnel
Avenue2 has consciously opted for a tunnel with a rather exceptional design. It will comprise not a single road, but rather several running parallel contained in four tubes, stacked 2x2 on top of the others. The tunnel will therefore not be any broader than the existing A2 motorway, but should be able to cope with a higher traffic volume. This offers a vast range of possibilities in the area at ground level: more space, security and quality of life for mankind, flora and fauna alike.
The route of the tunnel is to run from the Geusselt traffic intersection to Europlein, over a distance of around two kilometres. Given that it is to comprise four tubes, the tunnel will also promote the optimum flow of traffic. Furthermore, the tunnel is to segregate local and through traffic, thus reducing the need to change lanes within the tunnel itself.
Public consultation
The consultation stage of the plan to tunnel beneath the A2 Maastricht area will run from 16 November to 16 January inclusive. During this phase, three market parties will present their plans to the city’s inhabitants, who will be given the opportunity to voice their opinions on each one. However, the market parties are also to be granted the opportunity to optimise their plans accordingly. One of the three plans is to be adopted by mid-2009.
Further details of the procedure and plans can be found at www.a2maastricht.nl.
About Avenue2
Avenue2 comprises two partners, Strukton and Ballast Nedam, which enjoy the support of the following consultants and specialists: West 8, Arcadis, 4Cast, DGMR, Humblé, Imtech, Peek Traffic, Fakton, Made by Mistake and Bex* Communicatie.
About the A2 Maastricht project team
The Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works & Water Management cooperates with the municipalities of Maastricht, Limburg and Meerssen in the A2 Maastricht project team, with a view to improving the traffic flow, living environment and accessibility of Maastricht and the surrounding region.