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The Général-Leclerc bridge, a vital transport link connecting the municipalities of Fontaines-sur-Saône and Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or near Lyon, is set to undergo a significant closure to vehicular traffic. Starting Thursday, November 12, 2026, the bridge will be closed to cars to allow for comprehensive structural repairs.
Emergency Interventions Lead to Permanent Fix
The decision follows emergency interventions carried out by the Lyon Metropolitan authorities last spring. At that time, inspectors discovered that the structure was “cracking abnormally fast.” While temporary consolidation work was completed to ensure immediate safety, authorities have now scheduled a new phase of work to “permanently repair the bridge” by completely replacing the damaged sections.
Phased Closure Schedule
To manage the disruption, the Metropolitan authorities have coordinated the construction schedule into distinct phases:
- Initial Closure: From November 12, 2026, until mid-December 2026.
- Second Phase: One week between late January and early February 2027.
- Final Phase: From late February to late April 2027.
The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of June 2027. Officials noted that the use of a specific type of concrete will help accelerate the timeline by approximately one month.
Continued Access for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Despite the closure to motor vehicles, the Metropolitan authorities have prioritized maintaining access for non-motorized commuters. “The movement of pedestrians and cyclists will be ensured throughout the duration of the construction site thanks to a footbridge installed downstream of the bridge,” the local authority detailed in a statement. They added that teams have carefully coordinated the different phases with contractors to minimize the impact on daily travel in the sector.
This bridge serves as a critical connection for daily commuters in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and residents are advised to plan alternative routes during the specified closure periods.
Source: actu.fr