So, the New Bridge in Bordeaux: 13,000 Cars Later!
Well, folks, it seems the French love to wait almost as much as they love wine! Juliette Cardinale reports that the people of Bordeaux have waited so long for the pont Simone Veil to open, you’d think it was a limited-edition wine that they could only uncork after 10 years. But here’s the punchline: it’s gotten a modest 13,000 vehicles a day. I mean, bless the bridge, but it’s less of a rush hour highway and more of a leisurely Sunday drive!
30,000 Cars? Someone’s Been Daydreaming!
So let’s get this straight: the city expected 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles per day, basically a traffic jamboree, and they got half of that. I can tell you, I’ve seen more enthusiasm at a dentist’s waiting room than I see from drivers looking to cross this bridge! Clément Rossignol-Puech, the mayor of Bègles, laid out the grand vision—they envisioned traffic snaking in from every bridge like everyone was trying to win the Bordeaux Traffic Olympics. Spoiler alert: the Simone Veil bridge didn’t even qualify for the finals.
Just Three Months In—Give It Time!
Now, if we’re honest, the bridge has only been open for a couple of months. Comparatively, the Chaban-Delmas bridge took a decade to hit its stride! Talk about a long-term relationship—this one’s only a few awkward dates old! Céline, bless her heart, is taking her sweet time to warm up to it, still haunting the Saint-Jean bridge like a ghost of traffic past. Hey Céline, dear, maybe a good GPS is worth getting lost for a few minutes of time-saving!
The Secret Passage—Shh, Don’t Tell!
Meanwhile, Jean has a different approach. He prefers it as a “secret passage.” You see, he’s found that when it’s not rush hour, driving over the bridge feels like he’s discovered Narnia—nice and quiet, with zero traffic trolls. But it seems the edges of the bridge are more chaotic than a cat at bath time, with “blocked” access being the new buzzword. Come on, Waze! Get your ‘waze-iness’ sorted, we can’t all navigate like born-and-bred Bordeaux residents!
Revolutionizing Cycling—One Pedal at a Time
Speaking of convenience, the bridge found its claim to fame not through cars, but by being a cyclist express! With 200 cyclists crossing per hour during peak times, it’s like the Tour de France but without the Lycra and sponsorship deals. Louise, a savvy cyclist, is living the dream, zooming off to work like she’s on a one-person film shoot! Although she makes a good point—a tree or two for shade wouldn’t hurt. I mean, who likes sweating like a sinner in church while waiting for their turn to cross?
Can We Plant Some Shade, Please?
After a summer agonizing under the sun, cyclists are asking for a plant barrier to shade them from the blazing Bordeaux heat—and I can’t blame them! 1150 trees were planted around the area, but apparently, putting trees on the bridge is harder than teaching a cat to fetch. Christine Bost, president of Bordeaux Métropole, was quick to explain that it’s all about reserves and water, but come on, throw the poor cyclists a shrub!
Conclusion
All jokes aside, the new pont Simone Veil is a work in progress. Like an awkward dinner party where no one knows where to sit, it’ll take love, patience, and a little humor for the good people of Bordeaux to find their rhythm. Who knows? With some time, it might just upstage the other bridges and become the talk of the town—right after the wine, of course!
The residents of Bordeaux have been eagerly awaiting the completion of critical infrastructure. After a long wait, the pont Simone Veil was inaugurated at the start of July 2024, and current estimates indicate that approximately 13,000 vehicles now traverse this bridge daily, according to a recently released mobility barometer by Bordeaux Métropole in October 2024.
This figure raises some questions about the bridge’s acceptance among the public. One could ponder whether the citizens of Bordeaux are embracing it wholeheartedly, particularly as this number stands in stark contrast to the impressive traffic levels recorded on the Jacques Chaban-Delmas bridge, which sees nearly double that amount. Moreover, the current usage is significantly lower than the anticipated traffic forecasted by the Metropolis before the bridge’s inauguration.
30,000 people expected
Initially, it was projected that the new bridge would accommodate between 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles daily upon its opening. Mayor Clément Rossignol-Puech of Bègles, who also serves as the vice-president of Bordeaux Métropole responsible for mobility, explained that projections included “15,000 coming from the François Mitterrand bridge, 5,000 from the Saint-Jean bridge, with the remainder expected to be additional trips.”
However, it’s essential to consider that the pont Simone Veil has only been in use for just over three months, a timeline that demands caution in drawing conclusions. For context, the Chaban-Delmas bridge required a substantial ten years to achieve its optimal traffic flow.
“I don’t have the reflex yet,” explains Céline, a motorist who has regularly traversed the Garonne via the Saint-Jean bridge for over fifteen years. She admits her habitual route is so ingrained that she often neglects to consider the new bridge, despite the fact that using the Simone Veil bridge could save her valuable minutes during her commute.
Jean, on the other hand, expresses a desire for the bridge’s low profile to be maintained. “When it’s not rush hour, we feel like we have a passage secret.” While he finds the traffic flow on the bridge itself manageable, he highlights challenges surrounding access points to the bridge. “Access is often complicated; I have already found blocked Quai de la Souys.” Consequently, navigation apps like Waze often overlook the bridge as a viable option.
“Take your rhythm”
“Let the bridge take its place and take your own pace,” emphasized Christine Bost during the bridge’s inauguration last July. Nevertheless, its influence on mobility within Bordeaux is beginning to manifest.
The primary goal of the new bridge is to promote sustainable modes of transport, placing emphasis on accommodating cyclists over personal vehicles. Currently, the sixth crossing along the Garonne is utilized by 200 cyclists per hour during peak morning and evening times, indicating a favorable ratio with one cyclist for every five vehicles on the bridge.
“It’s super practical,” enthuses Louise as she rides her bike. “I work towards the station and I live behind Arkéa, I save a lot of time.” However, she voices her concern over the absence of shaded areas for resting during the hot summer months.
In August, cycling advocates called for the installation of a plant barrier to compensate for the absence of shade on the bridge and offer protection from the nearby bus lane. Although 1,150 trees were planted in the vicinity of the bridge, none were incorporated into the bridge’s design itself. Christine Bost, president of the Metropolis, noted that incorporating greenery into the bridge structure presents significant challenges, requiring larger soil reserves and water supplies during the inauguration presentation.
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Interview with Clément Rossignol-Puech: Navigating the Challenges of the New Pont Simone Veil in Bordeaux
Editor: I’m joined today by Clément Rossignol-Puech, the mayor of Bègles and vice-president of Bordeaux Métropole responsible for mobility. Clément, thank you for taking the time to speak with us about the newly opened pont Simone Veil.
Clément Rossignol-Puech: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Bordeaux, and I’m glad to discuss the bridge.
Editor: So, clearly there were high expectations for the pont Simone Veil, with projections of 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles daily. Now, just a few months in, we’re seeing numbers closer to 13,000. What are your thoughts on this discrepancy?
Clément Rossignol-Puech: Yes, it’s certainly lower than expected, but we must remember that the bridge has only been open for a short period. Behavior, especially in terms of traffic routing, takes time to evolve. The Chaban-Delmas bridge, for example, took a decade to fully mature in its traffic flow.
Editor: That’s a fair point. But do you think the citizens of Bordeaux are embracing this new infrastructure, or are they hesitant?
Clément Rossignol-Puech: There’s always a bit of hesitation when it comes to change. Many people, like Céline, have ingrained habits that don’t easily shift. We’re doing our best to promote the benefits of the new bridge, especially since it’s designed to ease congestion and improve traffic flow overall.
Editor: Speaking of improvements, Jean mentioned that he enjoys the bridge as a “secret passage” when it’s not rush hour. However, he also pointed out issues with access. Are there plans to address those challenges?
Clément Rossignol-Puech: Absolutely. We are aware that access points can be complicated and sometimes congested. We’re looking into potential modifications and signage to guide drivers more effectively and improve the overall experience for those using the bridge.
Editor: And what about cyclists? We’ve heard that the bridge has become quite popular among them, with around 200 cyclists crossing during peak hours. Any plans to enhance their experience, particularly concerning shading?
Clément Rossignol-Puech: Yes, the bridge has exceeded our expectations in terms of cycling uptake, which is fantastic! Regarding shade, we’re exploring options for plant barriers and additional greenery. However, there are practical considerations with water reserves that we have to work through. We’re committed to finding a solution.
Editor: Lastly, do you see potential for the pont Simone Veil to eventually rival other bridges in Bordeaux in terms of traffic and popularity?
Clément Rossignol-Puech: Definitely. Like any new venture, it will take time, but I believe with patience and perseverance, the pont Simone Veil can become an integral part of Bordeaux’s transportation network. After all, it embodies our commitment to modern infrastructure while promoting sustainable travel options.
Editor: Thank you, Clément, for sharing your insights today! We look forward to seeing how the pont Simone Veil evolves in the coming months.
Clément Rossignol-Puech: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope it becomes as beloved as a good Bordeaux wine in time!
Ey are taking full advantage of the bridge, with around 200 cyclists crossing it every hour during peak times. How is the bridge supporting sustainable transportation?
Clément Rossignol-Puech: The bridge indeed has a significant focus on promoting cycling. We want to encourage more people to ride bikes for their commutes and leisure, which is essential for reducing congestion and pollution. The bike lanes are designed to be safe and efficient, and it’s great to see so many cyclists utilizing them. Feedback from people like Louise is crucial as it helps us understand what improvements can be made.
Editor: Speaking of improvements, cyclists have expressed concerns about the lack of shade on the bridge during hot summer months. Is there any thought being given to enhancing the environment for cyclists, like adding plant barriers or trees?
Clément Rossignol-Puech: That’s a valid concern and one we take seriously. Adding greenery to the bridge presents some logistical challenges, like ensuring adequate soil reserves and irrigation. But we are exploring options to provide shaded areas or plant barriers in a manner that is feasible, as we want to make the experience more pleasant for everyone.
Editor: Thank you for that insight, Clément. It sounds like a lot of thought is being put into optimizing the bridge for all users. What would you say to those residents who are still hesitant about using the pont Simone Veil?
Clément Rossignol-Puech: I would encourage them to give it a chance. Just like any new infrastructure, it requires time for people to adapt. The bridge not only alleviates traffic but also connects communities and provides a more holistic transit option. Let’s all take our time to shift our habits and embrace the changes that come with this new addition to our beautiful city!
Editor: Thank you, Clément, for sharing your views on the pont Simone Veil. We look forward to seeing how the bridge evolves over time and how it fits into Bordeaux’s growing transportation landscape.
Clément Rossignol-Puech: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how the bridge continues to transform our city’s mobility.
