Councillor Susanne Schilderman (Public Space, Climate Adaptation): “The climate is changing, and Utrecht is getting warmer, with more periods of heavy rain. Neighborhoods with a lot of hard surfaces and little green, like Kanaleneiland, feel this first. Trees and greenery provide cooling, more biodiversity, and better rainwater management. Additionally, we are replacing the sewer in Kanaleneiland, which dates back to 1958, and giving cyclists and pedestrians more space. This prepares the neighborhood for the future.”

The sewer and paving in large parts of Kanaleneiland are outdated and due for replacement. The municipality seizes this necessary work to also address the public space. This makes the neighborhood greener, more livable, and better accessible for cyclists and pedestrians. The plans align with the Environmental Vision for Kanaleneiland and Transwijk, which has been developed together with residents, entrepreneurs, and the municipality. The ambition: a green, traffic-safe, and climate-resilient neighborhood by 2040. 

More green and space for cyclists and pedestrians
In all areas, hard surfaces will be replaced with green where possible. This means more space for hundreds of trees, plants, and flowers, which provide cooling, rainwater management, and more biodiversity. Cyclists and pedestrians will receive more space. Car traffic will be limited in some places to improve safety. Think of wider sidewalks, better bike paths, safe crossings, and more logically arranged intersections. Important improvements include:

• A safer crossing for cyclists over the Beneluxlaan at the height of the Afrikalaan
• Improved cycling infrastructure (east-west) on the Van Heuven Goedhartlaan, Bernadottelaan, Afrikalaan, and Vasco da Gamalaan
• Connection to the Rondje Stadseiland, so Kanaleneiland is better connected to this recreational and functional cycling route around the city.

Investment in a green and healthy city
The municipality expects to invest over 80 million euros in the redesign of the public space in Kanaleneiland. This investment contributes to a greener and safer neighborhood, with more space to meet and an environment that encourages residents to live healthily and actively. 

The plans are divided into six sub-projects. The redesign of Kanaleneiland Noord-Noord has already been completed. Work on the Bernadottelaan and surrounding area will start soon. The other projects are currently in various phases of the planning process. For the Vasco da Gamalaan, the design is now being further developed; the execution is expected to start in the fall of 2026.

Together with residents
The municipality works closely with residents. Through meetings, conversations in the neighborhood, and the online DenkMee platform, residents can actively think along and provide feedback. Until June 8, 2025, residents and stakeholders can think about the plans for the Afrikalaan and surrounding area. After the summer, the plans (the so-called Integral Program of Requirements and Functional Design) will be finalized. For the new projects on the Van Heuven Goedhartlaan and Kanaleneiland Zuid-Midden, residents can think along after the summer.

Want to know more?
View the plans at: Traffic Projects | Municipality of Utrecht

^{An impression of the plans for the Afrikalaan} 

^{The current layout of the Afrikalaan}

^{An overview of all six sub-projects}