Opening Shared Space site at Siegerswoude
A co-operation team of local residents, the local authority of Opsterland and the province of Fryslân worked out the redevelopment of the Foarwurkerbrêge junction nearby the village of Siegerswoude. Stunning because it’s an interesting example of how to realise a Shared Space site in the non-built environment.
It is quite a busy location on a summer day. Many people cross the junction towards their leisure destination and speeds at the former junction speeds used to be very high (80 km/h and more). The site was quite unattractive. You could not see any glimpse of the canal and the cosy pub. It was traffic all around, vey unappealing especially for cyclists and pedestrians.
The situation after shows a total metamorphosis. You will find a square, which encourages all users to find their way in mutual understanding. As a pedestrian, you can easily stay in the middle of the square. All the cars will take care of you, as speeds are stunningly slow.
The site is designed very smart. Coming from either direction, car drivers cannot see immediately how to continue their way. So they simply have to stop in order to find their new direction.
Interesting detail: a webcam allows to watch the users’ behaviour at the Shared Space Siegerswoude. Please take a look at www.siegerswoude.org and click the webcam link
The junction
befor
The square after
