Public inquiry in Strasbourg on a 224 million euro tram project

"This is the largest ecological and urban transformation project of this mandate," declared the Green mayor Jeanne Barseghian at a press conference.

The project aims to extend the tramway network to the north of the Eurometropolis, with two branches in the north and the centre, five kilometres of new tracks and nine new stations. It will be accompanied by the creation of seven kilometres of cycle paths, a 300-space car park and the transformation of a busy roundabout into a 16-hectare urban park.

It should also connect the European institutions – including the European Parliament – ​​to the central station, thus contributing to the "influence of our European capital", the mayor said.

This "northern tram" project represents a total investment of 224 million euros, to which is added 44 million euros for the acquisition of new tram carriages.

It should generate 800 direct jobs and 670 indirect jobs, stressed Pia Imbs, president of the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg.

A flagship project of the municipality, it has sparked criticism and debate, with the opposition unsuccessfully demanding alternative routes to the one planned, which is to follow a major artery in the city centre, Avenue des Vosges.

At the end of the public inquiry, which will end on October 18, the inquiry committee will give its opinion on the public interest of the project and formulate possible recommendations.

Subject to obtaining the declaration of public utility, work should begin in early 2025, with an expected commissioning date of 2027.