Delays and Disputes Surround Nantes’ Anne-de-Bretagne Bridge Reopening
The long-awaited reopening of the Anne-de-Bretagne bridge in Nantes is facing further delays, pushing the timeline back from an initial target of April 2025 to potentially sometime before the end of 2026. The bridge, closed since April 2024 for extensive renovations including the addition of two tram lines, has become a source of frustration for merchants and drivers alike.
According to Nantes-Métropole, the reopening is now expected “before the end of the year,” a vague timeframe that has sparked concern among local businesses. Éléonore Kurtz, president of the merchants’ association of Quai de la Fosse, lamented that the area has become a “jungle” with increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic deterring some older customers. “It’s…it’s become a jungle!” she reportedly said, adding that some customers have even joked about taking up BMX to navigate the area.
The delays are also raising questions about cost overruns and responsibility for the technical challenges encountered during the project. Valérie Oppelt, a local politician, expressed her concerns during a recent council meeting, asking, “Who will take charge of this delay and the budget increase?” and “What impact will this have on the environment?”
Thomas Quéro, the delegate for works on the centrality project, responded that the construction group is responsible for its own technical choices. A recent incident involving a semi-submersible vessel being required to assist with a section of the bridge stuck south of Spain further highlighted the complexities of the project and prompted debate within the council.
A ‘Garden-Belvedere Bridge’ Vision
The transformation of the Anne-de-Bretagne bridge is envisioned as more than just a transportation route; it’s being redesigned as a public space, a “garden-belvedere bridge” over the Loire river. The project, led by SYSTRA in collaboration with the Nantes Metropolis public space department, aims to integrate the structure into the Nantes landscape and address climate challenges, including reducing heat island effects.
The design incorporates widening of the bridge and lowering the current structure to accommodate the new tram lines. The project also seeks to promote non-motorized transport and provide access to the future University Hospital.
Local Political Debate Over Future Development
Beyond the bridge itself, related development plans are also sparking debate. Erwan Bouvais, a candidate for mayor of La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, is advocating for a one-year moratorium on the creation of a new business zone in La Métairie Rouge, to allow time to consider arguments from a collective of opposing farmers. However, he also expressed concern about the impact of a moratorium on the planned relocation of the TransiStor resource center and the Solidarité emploi insertion association.
Laurent Godet, the current mayor of La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, dismissed these concerns, stating that both organizations are committed to relocating and are working with the metropolitan real estate company for social and solidarity economy to find a suitable location.
Calls for Public Input on Future Loire Crossings
Looking ahead, Mounir Belhamiti, a Nantes city council member, is proposing a referendum to decide on the future of Loire River crossings in the city. The referendum would present three options to residents: the construction of a bascule bridge between Chantenay and Rezé, the implementation of a cable car between Butte Sainte-Anne and Rezé, or maintaining the status quo with no new infrastructure. “We see up to the women and men of Nantes to decide,” Belhamiti stated.
