Three days before the first round of municipal elections, Patrick Allemand and his running mates from “A Different Future for Nice” conducted a march along the proposed underground route of tram line 2. Their goal was to raise awareness among voters about the dangers of this project and the benefits of an alternative surface route.
The Socialist Party candidate organized a march yesterday against the underground plan for the future line 2, following its proposed path. Patrick Allemand and his running mates departed from the Mediterranean University Center, passed through Jean Médecin, Garibaldi Square, before reaching Quai Cassini. This educational action aims to make Nice’s residents aware of the importance of this project and encourage them to “make an anti-underground decision” by voting for Patrick Allemand on March 23 and 30.
This is a battle the candidate has been leading since the beginning of the campaign and one that could almost unite all opponents of the current Mayor. The line 2 tramway project includes an underground passage that has sparked much debate.
Several criticisms are directed at Christian Estrosi’s project. Firstly, the project would be dangerous and risky from a geological perspective. It could also destabilize the foundations of surrounding buildings, as has already happened with a building on Foresta Street.
The underground tunnel also raises financial concerns. A surface route would be more realistic and would save 256 million euros, according to the Montaigne Institute. Patrick Allemand’s project would use this money to extend line 1 to Trinité, provide service to Riquier station, and create a third line passing through the Allianz Riviera.
Other criteria are also mentioned, such as the insecurity and discomfort that a metro-tramway in underground tunnels would bring, the delivery time which is set to 2017 despite the many uncertainties of digging a tunnel, and the destruction of the Alsace Lorraine Garden and Durandy Square to create metro-tramway entrances.
