Last step in name change Utrecht Science Park

In July and August, the reference 'De Uithof' on the signage around Utrecht will be replaced by 'Utrecht Science Park'. On Friday 10 July, the National Signposting Service started to implement the name change on behalf of the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management. The adaptation of the road signs on the motorway is the final part of the implementation of the name change. The name had previously been changed on traffic and information signs that came under the management of the Province of Utrecht, the Municipality of Utrecht, surrounding municipalities and public transport.

Picture: Dick Boetekees

The first freeway sign

With the unveiling of the first freeway sign with 'Utrecht Science Park' on it, Eric Diepstraten of Rijkswaterstaat and Jan Henk van der Velden of Stichting Utrecht Science Park today gave the starting signal for the modification of the signs above the freeway. The work will take place this summer and will be combined with planned maintenance, so there will be little or no additional traffic disruption," says Eric Diepstraten.    

Essential adaptation

"On both the A27 and A28, 40 million vehicles pass each year. For the name change from 'De Uithof' to 'Utrecht Science Park' it is essential that the change is also implemented on the signs above and along the freeway," says Jan Henk van der Velden.

International appeal 

The Utrecht City Council decided to change the neighbourhood name to Utrecht Science Park because the name suits the (international) image of the area. It is also immediately clear what type of area is involved and the connection with the city and region of Utrecht is made immediately. The implementation of the name change is a long cherished wish of both the province and municipality as well as various partners at Utrecht Science Park. In addition to Utrecht University, these include UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Princess Máxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, Hubrecht and Westerdijk Institute, the RIVM and the SSH. But also high-quality R&D companies, such as Danone Nutricia Research, Genmab, Merus and GenDx.