SHENZHEN will promote the renovation and utilization of spaces under bridges, according to the city’s measures on the utilization and management of spaces under urban bridges, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.

The measures came into force Sept. 1, with a validity period of five years. Eight utilization situations of spaces under bridges in two categories and 10 behaviors that would affect bridge safety are specified in the measures.

The two categories include buildings (structures) such as parking lots, vehicle storage yards and ancillary facilities required for the construction of urban public transport, and municipal public facilities and equipment.

In recent years, the standardization and effective use of spaces under urban bridges has become a common concern among residents, with growing demand for urban infrastructure amid strained urban land resources.

By the end of 2020, there were 3,488 bridges and culverts of various types that serve for public transport in the city, including 576 overpasses and 216 flyovers that cover an area of 4.19 million square meters.

However, these spots are mainly used as green spaces now and from time to time, there would be some improper occupation occurring in those areas.

The introduction of the measures is expected to effectively standardize the use of spaces under bridges and improve the city’s bridge safety control level. It is also aimed at alleviating the shortage of land resources in core urban areas.

The measures were drafted by the city’s transport bureau in early 2020 after a full investigation was conducted about the status quo of overpasses and flyovers in Futian, Luohu and Nanshan districts, and have drawn on experience of well-developed cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin.

(Zhang Yu)