Cars Underground? Guanajuato: One of the Most Walkable Cities

In the 1960s, many cities were expanding roads for cars, buses, and different modes of transporation. Despite this trend around the world, there was one city who was doing the exact opposite: The Mexican city of Guanajuato. This unique city has all but one of its main traffic arteries running underground. Above ground lies the most walkable city in North America.

Guanajuato-Mexico_aerial _ thedesignbloc.jpg

So, where do all of the cars go? They travel underground in a network of roads beneath the city. But another question you may ask is why? Well, in the 1700s, after o devestating floods, the city began to construct tunnels underground to redirect overflow and protect their citizens from future surges. By the 1960s, the city constructed a dam to better control water flow from the mountains as well. With traffic volumes increasing dramatically, the tunnels, now dry and empty for the majority of their existence, were re-purposed to accomodate car traffic.

Guanajuato is a walkers paradise. One of the bonuses to a city that embraces pedestrians is that there is plenty of shade from the sun by trees and buildings that respond to the pathways. And for those times when it rains, there are plenty of places to help everyone stay dry.

Take a look at the video below for more info on this great city.