A meeting was held at the main town hall, with the mayors of the concerned municipalities, regarding travel in the Paillon Valley. Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, announced the construction of a tramway connecting Ariane Nord and a new train-tram version to Drap/Cantaron by 2026.
This is a victory for Patrick Allemand and all the Arians, whom he praises for their “determination.” It’s a large-scale mobilization. There will also be a 7-kilometer train-tram to Cantaron. This makes perfect sense, a crucial advancement in the eyes of the opposition because this area is inadequately served by public transport. This line will utilize SNCF infrastructures for an estimated cost of 190 million euros. An ecological and essential advancement for all the residents of this valley.
A real challenge
The Paillons Valley is experiencing continuous growth. However, this evolution must keep up with the times. Urbanization is constantly evolving, and by 2030 this area will accommodate 2,500 to 3,000 homes, which equates to an additional 6,000 to 7,200 inhabitants. 88% of the valley’s residents use cars daily; these are working people heading towards the metropolis for work, facing difficult conditions, especially during rush hours, like in the morning with 2,400 road users. The public transport system, according to the mayor of Nice, is “poorly served and poorly designed.” These changes will, in the future, result in a reduction of the number of vehicles heading to Nice and an increase in the use of public transport (Bus, TER, and the tramway).
“A lot of satisfaction rising towards the Paillons”
Maurice Lavagna, president of the community of communes of Pays-des-Paillons, expresses his enthusiasm after these announcements for improving the travel conditions of the valley’s inhabitants. He emphasizes on those who are “stuck in the funnel,” struggling to find easier ways to travel.
Measures will be implemented in the short and medium term concerning: the Garigliano junction and an improvement of the integration from the Northern access road. The increase in the size of the SNCF bridge, Turin road, and the development of a roundabout at Boulevard de L’Ariane and the Anatole France access road.
