Reforma Project

The intervention proposal, titled “Re-Forma,” aims to revitalize Paseo de la Reforma Street, located between the Eduardo Elizondo neighborhood and Ciudad Satélite in Monterrey, Nuevo León. The primary goal is to transform this 1.95-kilometer stretch into a complete street, prioritizing the safety and comfort of all users. The project addresses three key issues: high traffic volume, the deterioration of the central median, and inadequate signage.

To reduce traffic, the proposal promotes sustainable mobility through the construction of a bike lane, road redistribution, and the expansion of sidewalks, while maintaining the street as a secondary road. In regard to the central median, the space will be restructured, with improvements to the green areas, the replacement of high-voltage towers with poles, and enhanced lighting. To address signage issues, the proposal includes more visible pedestrian crossings, additional traffic signs, and new bus stops.

This initiative stems from the need to create a safer, more inclusive, and functional urban space for all users. By reconfiguring the street to accommodate various modes of transportation and activities, the proposal fosters a more sustainable and equitable environment, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and promoting social cohesion within the community. The intervention includes expanded sidewalks, a bike lane, green spaces, and social areas that not only improve road safety but also increase the street’s appeal as a vibrant, accessible space for everyone.

One of the innovative elements of the proposal is the creation of a bioswale, which provides multiple environmental and urban benefits. This infrastructure improves water quality by filtering out pollutants and sediments, helps recharge underground aquifers, and reduces strain on the sewer system. Additionally, the bioswale beautifies the street, creates green spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life, and fosters local biodiversity.

The proposal also includes the redesign of two intersections to improve traffic safety and efficiency. This redesign involves the reconfiguration of lanes, the implementation of clearer traffic signals, and the incorporation of well-defined pedestrian crossings. These changes are essential for reducing accidents, alleviating traffic congestion, and creating a safer, more accessible environment for both pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover, a well-planned redesign can encourage the use of public transportation and promote sustainable mobility, contributing to a better urban quality of life while reducing environmental impact.

The anticipated benefits include increased sustainable mobility, improved road safety, enhanced public infrastructure, and greater social inclusion. The pedestrian area is expected to expand from 13.29% to 18.11%, while a new bike lane will cover 14.38% of the space, reducing the vehicle area from 64.54% to 34.92%. Additionally, the intervention aims to reduce the current rate of 21 road accidents per year through better signage and increased lighting in the median. The green area will grow from 22.17% to 32.60%, and sidewalk space will expand alongside the addition of new urban furniture. Social inclusion will also be promoted by incorporating ramps for the 2.1% of the population that uses mobility aids, directly benefiting a community composed of 14.7% children, 2.1% youth, 39.8% adults, and 23.4% elderly, with a gender distribution of 51.7% women and 48.3% men.