In Toulouse, green links for the island of Ramier
“We had started to renature the Ile du Ramier during the previous mandate and we have accelerated, in particular with the deconstruction of the former exhibition center and the demineralization of several areas. In line with the planned developments, we are preparing accessibility to these new green spaces which will be open to Toulouse residents in 2024.”
This is how Jean-Luc Moudenc, mayor of Toulouse and president of Toulouse Métropole, describes the project of the two footbridges which must connect the island of Ramier to the two banks of the Garonne. One, called Empalot, for the right bank, and the other, called Rapas, for the left bank. The construction site, which should last 13 months, will begin when the state instruction period is issued, for commissioning scheduled for 2023.
“The objective is to preserve the river area”
Reserved for pedestrians and bicycles, these two bridges, which are part of the Grand Parc Garonne project wanted by Jean-Luc Moudenc, make it possible to “connect the island to the tram on one side, to line B of the metro and to the Linéo network on the other”, specifies the elected official. In a few weeks, Tisséo should also launch a new call for tenders for VélÔToulouse in order to extend the network of self-service bicycles to the island of Ramier and to introduce electric bicycles.
The project, costing around 20 million euros, was designed to limit its environmental impact, assures the community. These are two “thin and elegant” cable-stayed structures, 150 meters long and 5 meters wide, with no support in the river. “The objective is to preserve the river area, its biodiversity, as well as the banks of the Garonne. The sites have been designated to two different groups, and two other footbridges are planned for 2026.