Newly Elected Lyon Metropolis President Suspends Rhône Right Bank Project
Lyon, March 27 – Véronique Sarselli (LR), the newly elected President of the Métropole de Lyon, has announced the immediate suspension of the Rhône Right Bank development project. This decision comes just one day after her election and halts a major urban planning initiative championed by the previous ecological administration. The extensive works were initially scheduled to commence on Monday, March 30, 2026.
The Rhône Right Bank project, which began under the mandate of Bruno Bernard, was designed to transform a 2.5-kilometer stretch between Pont de Lattre and Pont Gallieni. Its primary objectives included reducing automobile traffic lanes and developing the quays into pedestrian-friendly areas.
Dialogue with Mayor Doucet Prior to Project Review
Sarselli, leader of the “Grand Cœur Lyonnais” movement, has expressed her reservations about the project in its current form. She intends to initiate a “preliminary exchange with the Mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet,” to thoroughly examine “its modalities and implications.”
The Métropole de Lyon issued a statement confirming the suspension, noting, “Consequently, it has been decided to suspend the start of the works to allow for this consultation.” The statement also highlighted that proceeding with the construction would have “heavy consequences on traffic for several weeks, significantly impacting the daily lives of residents.”
This swift action by the new right-wing administration, taking over after six years of ecological leadership, signals a rapid shift in priorities for key upcoming projects. The future of the Rhône Right Bank project remains uncertain as discussions are set to unfold.
Ecologists Warn of Significant Financial Penalties
In response to Sarselli’s announcement, the ecologists of the Métropole de Lyon have voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the financial repercussions of the suspension. They claim that halting the project will incur “very significant financial penalties of over one million euros, which will have to be paid to RTE.”
They denounce this as “irresponsible waste in a difficult national budgetary context.” Furthermore, they argue that the “postponement also amounts to a pure and simple abandonment of the Right Bank project, given that its resumption cannot be carried out for several years by RTE. It would nevertheless have been possible to launch these network works while taking the time to discuss the final development project together.”
The ecologists criticized Sarselli’s move, stating, “This major setback, from the very first day of her mandate, not announced during her inauguration and against the advice of the Mayor of Lyon, is a worrying and negative signal for the city and the Métropole de Lyon. It foreshadows an authoritarian mandate and a significant risk of inertia.”
New Police Force for Public Transport Announced
In related news, Sarselli has also announced the creation of a new police force specifically dedicated to public transport (TCL) in Lyon, indicating a broader focus on public order and safety initiatives.
Impact on Daily Life and Future Urban Development
The suspension of the Rhône Right Bank project has sparked a debate about the balance between urban development, environmental concerns, and the daily lives of citizens. The previous administration’s vision aimed to enhance green spaces and pedestrian access, aligning with broader ecological goals. The new administration’s decision reflects a different approach, prioritizing a review of the project’s impact on traffic and residents before proceeding.
The outcome of the upcoming consultations between Sarselli and Mayor Doucet will be crucial in determining the future of this significant urban development project and could set a precedent for other initiatives in the Métropole de Lyon.
Source: actu.fr
