Since August 2025, we have been working with residents and stakeholders on the redesign of De Boelelaan Midden. The project consists of two measures: replacing the carriageway and redesigning the service road and green spaces. We have now completed the second participation phase, during which we presented the final design for the carriageway. Participants also expressed a preference for the De Fitte Boele design. Other topics included women’s safety, public art and accessibility. What was discussed?
Service road and green spaces: De Fitte Boele
Of the three concepts presented earlier, De Fitte Boele proved to be the clear favourite, receiving 45% of the votes. Participants particularly appreciated the large playground (‘a major asset’) and the sports field for organised sports activities (‘something we need more of’). At the same time, respondents felt that the design lacked a quiet green area and a dedicated dog-walking space. Overall, De Fitte Boele was considered the best compromise between all the desired functions.
New carriageway with pedestrian crossings
Participants were happy to see the narrower carriageway and the three new pedestrian crossings. These measures will encourage lower speeds for cars and buses while allowing cyclists and pedestrians to cross safely at several locations. There was no clear preference for the exact location of the crossing near the Lex van Deldenbrug (either to the left or right of the bridge). Participants also raised questions about cycling routes along De Boelelaan Midden during the roadworks. During construction, the Gustav Mahlerlaan will serve as the official diversion route. De Boelelaan will remain accessible for local residents.
Women’s safety
Women’s safety was already discussed during the first participation phase (August – October 2025) and was revisited during this second phase. In general, participants consider De Boelelaan to be a safe street. Nevertheless, several areas for improvement were identified, including good maintenance of greenery (‘keep it low’) and ensuring clear sightlines and natural surveillance after dark, for example through cafés, restaurants or people exercising outdoors. These points will be taken into account during the further development of the design. Other issues, such as insufficient lighting near De Kunstbrug, were also raised. As these fall outside the scope of this project, they will be referred to other municipal departments or local partners.
Public art
Participants shared a variety of ideas for public art along De Boelelaan Midden. Playful artworks proved to be the most popular option. A fountain was also suggested, while several participants proposed light-based artworks that could also improve the sense of safety after dark. Not everyone, however, felt that public art would add value. During the third participation phase, a working group of local residents and stakeholders will be established to develop proposals for public artwork for De Boelelaan Midden.
Join the Public Art workgroup
To continue developing ideas for the artwork together with local residents, we are setting up a Public Art workgroup. We are looking for participants from the De Boelelaan area who would like to represent the neighbourhood. The workgroup will meet approximately five times. Would you like to take part? Please email boelelaan.za@amsterdam.nl.
Accessibility
The raised pedestrian crossings will make it much easier to cross De Boelelaan Midden, significantly improving accessibility. Participants would also like to see a raised crossing on the service road. Other suggestions included a clearer separation between cyclists and pedestrians, preferably through physical segregation and clear road markings. Another proposal was to install traffic lights for motorists instead of relying solely on a zebra crossing. Although traffic lights cannot yet be installed, we will reserve space underground so they can be added in the future if they prove necessary.
Current situation
Preparations for the works are now well under way. For example, we will soon apply for a permit to remove ten trees. These currently stand in the way of the new pedestrian crossings and, where possible, will be relocated elsewhere along the street. The permit application, including the objection period, will be published shortly. We will keep you informed.
What happens next?
The third participation phase will start in the second half of this year. At the same time, work will start on Measure 1: replacing the carriageway, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. Meanwhile, we will continue developing the preliminary design for the service road and green spaces. You will again be able to contribute your ideas during the next participation phase. In 2027, the fourth and final participation phase will start and we will present the final design for the service road and green spaces. Construction of the green spaces and service road is currently expected to start in 2028. We will inform you on the works in a timely manner.
Project timeline
Below you will find the timeline for the De Boelelaan Midden project, showing the programme through to the planned completion of the project in 2029 (in Dutch, click to enlarge). If you have any questions, please contact us by email.
You can find all documents in our library:
- Infographic Participatieblok 1 De Boelelaan Midden (in Dutch) – Infographic Participation Phase 1 De Boelelaan Midden
- Rapport Participatieblok 1 De Boelelaan Midden (in Dutch) – Report Participation Phase 1 De Boelelaan Midden
- Q&A De Boelelaan Midden (in Dutch)
- Infographic Participatieblok 2 De Boelelaan Midden (in Dutch) – Infographic Participation Phase 2 De Boelelaan Midden
- Rapport Participatieblok 2 De Boelelaan Midden (in Dutch) – Report Participation Phase 2 De Boelelaan Midden
Works on De Boelelaan West
Further along the road, towards VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC (VU location), work on public spaces is also taking place. These works are separate from the redesign of De Boelelaan Midden. For more information, please read this article.
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