Soon the cars will speed by on Groningen’s new and improved ringroad, but before that happens the road is still quiet.. and safe to take a walk on! On the 31st of August, there will be a unique chance to take a walk on it as part of the opening activities for the new road.
About 50 years ago this was possible as well and people roller-skated or walked on the road thanks to car-less Sundays put in place to save fuel during the oil crisis. For everyone who wants to experience this (again), it will be possible during today’s “Ring walking” event.
On Saturday the 31st of August from 10:00 until 16:00 anyone can walk the south Ring road and the Julianaplein. You can get on and off the ring road at two locations: at the swimming pool De Papiermolen and at the entrance from Europaweg. Shuttle buses will run from Martiniplaza to and from the boarding points.
The Ring walking is part of the activities in place for the festive opening of the road during the opening weekend “De Ring is Rond” (the Ring is done).
Besides the walk, there will be a RingFestival at the Martiniplaza on Saturday the 31st of August from 10:00 until 16:00. Here the builders of the road will present the materials and machines they used to built it. Visitors can look at the materials and climb into the machines.
The ring road will be officially opened for cars on the 1st of September. You can visit the project website for more information.
