Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the article, focusing on Christian Duchêne‘s opposition to the “Nouvelle traversée de Fourvière” project:
Project Overview:
* A proposed 8km tunnel under the Saône and Rhône rivers, connecting the M6 and M7 metro/tram lines from Tassin to Saint-Fons.
* Aimed at eliminating transit traffic through Lyon.
* Estimated cost: 1.6 to 2 billion euros.
* Projected completion: 2026.
Christian Duchêne’s Opposition:
* Lack of Consultation: He discovered the project through the press and feels it was “imposed” without any prior discussion with affected mayors. He questions why mayors weren’t consulted before being told a tunnel would end in their town.
* Public Outrage: He states residents of Saint-Fons are “unanimously scandalized” and feel ”disrespected.”
* Health Concerns: He fears the project will simply relocate pollution to Saint-Fons, which is already a heavily industrialized and vulnerable area. He accuses Jean-Michel Aulas and Véronique Sarselli of “sacrificing the health of residents of working-class neighborhoods.” He disputes the claim that pollution will be “captured” in the tunnel, arguing it will simply be released at the tunnel’s entrances and exits.
* Ineffectiveness: He believes the project is “useless and unrealistic.” He points out that only 15% of traffic in the existing Fourvière tunnel is transit traffic, suggesting the problem isn’t through Lyon, but access to it.
* Financial Concerns: He questions the project’s cost and financing, especially given current economic pressures. He also mentions potential tolls and a 10-year construction period as further drawbacks.
* Skepticism about Feasibility: He doubts the project will even be approved by regulatory bodies (DREAL and the prefecture) and compares the proposal to a politician generating ideas without considering their practicality.
Key Players Mentioned:
* Christian Duchêne: Mayor of Saint-Fons, strongly opposed to the project.
* Véronique Sarselli: Supports the project.
* Jean-Michel Aulas: Supports the project.
* Ecologists & Left-Wing Politicians: Also critical of the project, echoing Duchêne’s concerns.
In essence, Duchêne views the project as a poorly planned, expensive, and perhaps harmful solution that prioritizes the concerns of Lyon while disregarding the health and well-being of residents in surrounding communities like Saint-Fons.
Worth a look