The project included widening pavements and introducing shared-surface sections. Credit: Orba Council
Orba has completed the redevelopment works on Avenida Fontilles and Sant Antoni Street. Lasting around nine months, the project aimed primarily to improve pedestrian accessibility, upgrade water and sewage systems, and adapt the urban space to the challenges of climate change. Alongside these improvements, several historical and social initiatives were also undertaken.
The project included widening pavements and introducing shared-surface sections, improving safety and comfort for pedestrians. New street furniture and vegetation have also been installed to create a more pleasant environment and offer shaded rest areas, particularly benefiting elderly residents.
A key innovation in the project is its environmental approach. One of the most notable features is the use of red asphalt for the road surface and concrete for parking areas. "Both materials help reduce the amount of black asphalt, mitigating the urban heat island effect -- especially important given the rise in temperatures," explained Orba's mayor, Ignasi Cervera.
In terms of infrastructure, the potable water and sewage networks have been completely renewed, improving efficiency and reducing losses. A new rainwater drainage system was also installed, which has already proved effective during recent heavy rainfall, successfully preventing the frequent flooding that used to occur on Avenida Fontilles.
The redevelopment also carried a strong social and heritage dimension. During the works, an old well was recovered, and a mural was painted to pay tribute to the women of Orba who, during the waves of migration to the Americas, remained in the town to care for the land and their families, keeping the community's agricultural and social fabric alive.
At a recent council meeting, Cervera also announced plans to construct a monument in memory of all those who emigrated. The monument is expected to be located at the corner of Avenida Fontilles and Américas Street.
According to Mayor Cervera, this project "represents everything our administration has stood for since 2015: a clear commitment to improving people's lives by ensuring safe and accessible spaces, creating dissuasive parking areas, taking action to adapt to climate change, upgrading municipal services, and recovering the memory and pride of our town."
Cervera acknowledged that the project had sparked some controversy but expressed his full confidence in its necessity and great satisfaction with the results. He thanked "both the workers and technicians, as well as the residents who patiently endured nine months of works."
The mayor stressed the importance of creating high-quality pedestrian spaces and noted the need for ongoing public awareness. "It's striking that some people who don't drive -- even those pushing prams -- were more concerned about the road width than appreciating that they can now walk more safely," he remarked.
He added that he is concerned about how deeply ingrained car dominance remains in some people's mindset, even when it goes against their own interests. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed his commitment to promoting "a town model that ensures smooth traffic and sufficient parking while offering safe and comfortable spaces for people."
He recalled that "when I took office in 2015, Avenida Fontilles was a two-way road with unusable pavements, constant traffic interruptions, and heavy lorries and buses passing through. Today, we can proudly say it's an exemplary street that also beautifies the town's entrance."
Finally, Cervera pointed out that this transformation was only possible after first creating additional parking spaces. "That was the starting point of it all," he said, noting that around 80 new parking spaces have been added in the areas of Plaza de la Pelota and Sant Antoni, ensuring a balance between the new urban layout and the parking needs of both residents and local businesses.