It will still be possible to cross it on foot or by bike, but no way to pass by car. Since this Monday and for more than a year, the Anne-de-Bretagne bridge which spans the Loire has been partly closed to traffic. Access to this busy bridge in the city center of Nantes will be closed to vehicles while preparations are underway for a major project: its widening and the creation of a new tramway for future lines 6 and 7, serving the new university hospital. 20 minutes takes stock of this announced galley.
What sectors will be prohibited?
Until May 2025, Boulevard Léon Bureau will be closed to motorized vehicles in both directions, effectively leading to the closure of this bridge which recently still sees nearly 15,000 cars pass per day… But be careful, the ban also applies for a small portion of the Quai de la Fosse, between the bridge and Place de la Petite-Hollande, in the direction of the city center. A big mess in perspective, therefore, which the metropolis intends to correct by “strengthening its public transport offer” and “by boosting the use of bicycles”.
What if we have to take our car?
For those who would like to try the devil (good luck), diversions for cars will of course be put in place and the Wilson car park will become free again for the occasion, in particular to access the Banana Shed more easily. Precisely, on the side of legitimately worried traders, measures have also been announced: a commission will allow them in particular to request compensation in the event of loss of turnover during the debt period.
What types of work will be carried out?
This is preparatory work which will mainly consist of the renovation and deployment of water, heat, electricity, gas and even telecom networks, specifies Nantes Métropole. Work on the Anne-de-Bretagne bridge and the development of the tram tracks will begin once these underground operations are completed, that is to say in 2025! If everything goes as announced, the bridge will then reopen to automobile traffic, at least on one lane.
What will the bridge look like once all this is finished (a long time from now)?
Ultimately, the Anne-de-Bretagne bridge will resemble a square bridge, lower and above all wider. The tram, cars and bicycles will each have their own space in the central part, while a promenade will be offered to pedestrians at the ends.
The slope of the structure will be lowered to make crossings easier. Delivery of the new, completely revamped bridge, whose cost of 50 million euros is regularly criticized by the right-wing opposition, is scheduled for mid-2027.