The City of Copenhagen is examining a major urban redesign that could significantly change one of its busiest corridors. Under the project known as “Den Grønne Boulevard,” officials are studying the possibility of moving large volumes of car traffic into a tunnel beneath H.C. Andersens Boulevard, potentially freeing surface space for green areas, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The initiative is currently at an early conceptual stage, with no political decision yet taken on whether construction will proceed.
Den Grønne Boulevard’s first phase focuses on Central Stretch
The first phase of the study concentrates on the section between Jarmers Plads and Rysensteensgade. A second phase, planned for future evaluation, would extend the concept from Gyldenløvesgade to Bispeengbuen.
According to the project outline, the purpose of the tunnel would be to relocate a substantial share of vehicle traffic underground. This could allow the surface level to be redesigned with new types of public spaces, including urban greenery, walking areas, and expanded cycling infrastructure.
Scenario Planning and Public Input
The Copenhagen municipal government has commissioned an idea proposal for the first phase, intended to explore different scenarios for how the boulevard could be used if traffic were diverted below ground. The study will not present a final design, but rather a range of possible urban configurations and functions.
As part of the process, planners are gathering input from residents, stakeholders, and local users of the area to understand expectations, concerns, and priorities related to a potential transformation of the corridor.
No Final Decision Yet
City officials emphasize that the project remains exploratory. No political decision has been made regarding the construction of either the tunnel or the redesigned urban spaces. The idea proposal is scheduled to contribute to a broader decision-making framework in 2027, when authorities will evaluate whether to advance the project to its next phase.
If implemented, the plan could represent one of the most significant changes to central Copenhagen’s urban layout in decades, reshaping how traffic, public space, and mobility coexist along one of the city’s most important thoroughfares.
