The Aretxabaleta City Council has unveiled the activities planned for August as part of its Mobility Plan. These improvements will initially be temporary but will become permanent if the set objectives are met, based on objective data.
Interventions include enhancing 15 pedestrian crossings to improve pedestrian safety and visibility. Additionally, 44 new parking spaces will be created to compensate for those lost, addressing the needs of residents and local businesses.
To promote cycling, a priority lane for bicycles will be established along a 500-meter stretch from Mitarte street to the sports center, operating in both directions.
Significant changes are also planned for Araba Avenue. The most notable will be near Iralabarri square, where this section will become a one-way street. This will transform the U-shaped road entering the Belorrieta neighborhood into a pedestrian zone, with existing parking spaces relocated to Araba Avenue. Furthermore, a new pedestrian crossing will be created connecting Belorrieta and Iralabarri, fulfilling numerous citizen requests, as explained by Ion Albizu, the Councilor for Urban Planning.
On Araba Avenue itself, modifications will also be made at the intersection connecting the Loramendi and Bainuetxe industrial areas to shorten pedestrian routes and enhance vehicle safety. Visibility and safety will also be increased at other intersections and pedestrian crossings along Araba Avenue.
Regarding the ascent to Basabeazpi, this route will have no exit at its upper part, as the pedestrian crossing there will be closed to vehicles. Consequently, access will need to be made from the lower section, for example, to enter or park in the parking area.
The street in Belorrieta, opposite Pausoka, will become one-way from Arrasate towards Eskoriatza, as currently only 6% of car traffic proceeds downhill. With this change, there will be an opportunity to create new parking spaces and a zigzag section to reduce speed, Albizu added.
Chicanes will be created at three intersections in Txarapea to reduce speed.
The City Council emphasizes that these interventions aim to achieve three main objectives: increase safety, make Aretxabaleta a healthier place, and enhance its livability for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
