According to studies whose results are expected to be revealed very soon, the possibility of an underground tunnel starting from Boulevard Gambetta and connecting the Port of Nice to the underpass leading to the eastern part of the city seems to be confirmed, with, moreover, a technical innovation that significantly reduces the cost of this operation aimed at making a large portion of the Promenade des Anglais pedestrianized.
This information was not supposed to leak, but due to an unfortunate email exchange, the project was exposed through the request for a feasibility study of a tunnel allowing for the pedestrianization of the famous Nice promenade.
Certainly, this project is not new, since the late Jacques Médecin had already studied this possibility during his terms, but without success, at a time when the technical means were quite different from today’s. It seems that the technical constraints now perfectly suit this type of major works and, moreover, with the advantage of having reduced costs due to the use of new methods particularly used during the construction of tunnels in the city of Sochi, which hosted the last Winter Olympic Games. It is said that the idea even sprouted during Nice’s Olympic bid and the study of the Russian bid.
Questioned by our editorial team, no local authority wished to respond to our inquiries, but luck was on our side when visiting the Promenade des Anglais at one of the most renowned hoteliers*. “Indeed, I was contacted to know what I thought of this project and if by any chance I would like to take part in it in the future…” It is difficult to know more, but it seems that the idea of a public/private partnership is considered in this project, which would certainly return the promenade to pedestrians but also ensure fantastic terraces for the hotel and culinary establishments located there.
So, stay tuned for a project that is sure to make headlines soon…
NB: You’ll understand from the publication date. This is an April Fool’s joke…
