aixcentric

The town is at a perfect storm of roadworks right now, according to La Provence, (le chantier est a pleine puisssance) but they say that things should start to improve from here on.

Work on the 7.2km Aixpress bus-route is taking place along its full length, the restructuring and pedestrianisation of the ‘trois places’ is ongoing, and a massive dig to provide 600 underground parking places at Jas de Bouffan will take over a year to complete. If you are in Aix right now, I hardly need to tell how much upheaval is taking place.

Mayor Marysse Joissains predicted ‘Ca va etre violent’, as indeed it is, but she was also meaning that the changes would be dramatic for the long-term good of the town. Authorities can choose to do nothing, and just let traffic snarl up causing stress and pollution – or grasp the nettle and come up with some positive solutions.  This scheme is based on the principle of encircling the town with park and ride sites, and encouraging people to travel on by public transport (the usual buses, special navettes or the new electric Aixpress) or by bike.

The new track will be lined with secure cycle-ways, wider pavements, LED lighting, and hundreds of trees and shrubs.

It will all come at a cost of course. 100 million euros to be precise. The big new car-park will cost an additional 18 million euros, but is an essential part of the project.  The buses themselves will be 1 million euros each, which will include the re-charging equipment at the terminus and work to adapt the maintenance depot at Pont de l’Arc.  The bidding process for these buses has begun.

The bottom part of Ave Robert-Shuman is nearly completed, and work is pressing on fast at the Rotonde: according to the paper, this area should be ready ‘pour les fetes’ without specifying which fetes!

There are 200 workers toiling away – 65% of the project should be finished this year.  The university area has priority for completion for the rentrée and the final project will be the 600-place car-park/parking relais due summer 2019.