Decisions

Reconnecting the city to the river, Madrid

  • Mobility
  • Sustainability
  • Transformation
  • Built: 2008 - 2015
  • Bold decision: reconnecting the city to the river - restore broken ecological connections

In the Madrid Río project, a bold decision was made to remove a major section of the M-30 highway along the Manzanares River, transforming the area into a green urban park. The highway was buried underground, creating space for recreation, cycling, and greenery, improving air quality, reducing noise, and reconnecting the city with the river.

What was the impact or result of this Brave Decision?
The Madrid Río project restored ecological connections, improved urban livability, enhanced sustainability, boosted the local economy, and promoted sustainable mobility, making Madrid a model for green urban transformation.

Who was the master mind of the Brave Decision?
The Department of Urban Planning of the Madrid City Council + west8 (design of the park)