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Nicaragua Street to Become Car-Free Outside Luis Elejalde School

Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council will pedestrianize the street to create a safer and more accessible school environment.

Generic image of a street transformation into a pedestrian zone, creating a greener and safer public space.
IA

Generic image of a street transformation into a pedestrian zone, creating a greener and safer public space.

Nicaragua Street in Vitoria-Gasteiz will be transformed into a pedestrian zone near the Luis Elejalde-Rogelia de Álvaro school, improving safety and accessibility.

Nicaragua Street will become a pedestrian space adjacent to the Luis Elejalde-Rogelia de Álvaro school. This change will eliminate parked cars and traffic, creating a safer environment. The pedestrianization includes new seating areas, play zones, and accessibility improvements. Vehicle access will be restricted on this dead-end street near the school. There will only be occasional access to existing driveways from Cofradía de Arriaga. This initiative is part of the safe school environments strategy. Luis Elejalde will be the 29th school environment to be included in the municipal plan.
The removal of traffic will reduce conflicts during school drop-off and pick-up times. Families and students will have a larger, vehicle-free space in front of the school's entrance. The pavement will feature colorful geometric shapes for organization and play. All students will gain increased safety and autonomy in their daily access to the school.
The approximate investment for this project is 230,000 euros. The construction period is expected to last three months. Entrances and exits will be organized, allowing access only to two existing driveways. Currently, the street is used as a parking area and for vehicle access, but traffic will be limited to very specific priorities.
The construction will incorporate new benches and larger trees. This will provide more shade and better environmental comfort for those who pass through or wait in the area. The space will offer improved quality and will serve to foster interaction among families on school days.
Accessibility will also be a key focus. Gentle slope ramps will be installed at the ends of the street, ensuring comfortable and safe routes for everyone using the passage, including those with strollers or reduced mobility.
Beatriz Artolazabal, the councilor for Public Space and Neighborhoods, emphasized: "We have been working for several legislative terms on a clear strategy to improve safety in school environments and facilitate children's access to their schools safely and autonomously." She added: "Each intervention is adapted to the reality of each school and is built through dialogue with the educational community. These types of interventions not only reduce risks but also transform public spaces into friendlier, healthier places designed for daily life."
With this new pedestrian zone, the safe school strategy now includes 29 interventions either completed or planned in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The goal is to transform streets with traffic and parking into pedestrian areas. The city is committed to enhancing safety and quality in school access through these renovations.

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