Tram line 2 has been operational for over a month, but the controversy surrounding the “tunnel” section has not subsided at all and it is re-emerging in the election campaign debate… needless to say!
Particularly interested are the residents near Boulevard Victor Hugo, who had already “fought” when the tunnel was being dug, due to the road subsidence, and they apparently have disputes with the insurance companies over compensation for the damages sustained.
Benoît Kandel brought up the issue of the tram line 2 tunnel in Nice as part of his campaign, while acknowledging that he is pleased with the delivery, albeit late, of line 2.
The purpose of this meeting was to inform the people of Nice about the construction difficulties and its impact on nearby residential properties. Geologist Eric Gilli, a professor at Paris 8 University, presented his analysis and answered numerous questions from residents who had noticed damage to their buildings (cracks, flooded basements, etc.).
Of course, if elected mayor, Benoît Kandel will not fill in the tunnel. However, he will conduct an audit of the structure to provide transparency on its final cost and its reliability in terms of safety. The people of Nice paid for it. It is only fair to keep them informed!
Jacques Peyrat, mayor of Nice from 1995 to 2008, attended the meeting. He revealed that he had considered the possibility of building a tunnel himself but that all the experts had strongly advised him against it. That is why tram line 1 was designed to be above ground.
