The Fourvière traffic jam has become a symbol, almost a fate, that many dream of seeing disappear. Thirty-five years after Michel Noir's unfulfilled promises, the duo Véronique Sarselli – Jean-Michel Aulas aim to make a significant impact. Their proposal becomes the first major joint announcement from the favorite pair in polls for the municipal and metropolitan elections in 2026: to construct a new tunnel to ease one of the most congested routes in France, as explained by Le Progrès in an exclusive interview.
An Embraced Vision Against the Anti-Car Dogma
Where ecologists criticize the "vacuum effect" of new road infrastructures, the Grand Cœur Lyonnais list takes a different stance. For the Sarselli-Aulas duo, it’s not about encouraging car use, but about addressing a structural problem that p&.The project daily analyzes the residents, the professionals, and the attractiveness of the area. It's a bold bet, almost old-fashioned, in a Lyon debate that has been largely dominated in recent years by reducing the space for cars.
The question of funding is central, and the duo isn't hiding it. Véronique Sarselli clearly mentions seeking European funds and state financing, believing that the usefulness of such a tunnel far exceeds the borders of the Lyon Metropolis. The possibility of a toll is also on the table, though not finalized, just to keep the door open to a mixed economic model.
A promise heavy with symbols for 2026
Jean-Michel Aulas is already comparing the project to the adventure of the Groupama Stadium. According to him, this tunnel could spark a real battle among major players in construction and infrastructure.the framework of a public-private partnership. At stake are around 5,000 jobs over ten years and a “considerable growth opportunity” for the Lyon region.
By directly tackling the Fourvière traffic jam, Sarselli and Aulas are reviving an old Lyon dream and putting mobility at the heart of the campaign. The big question remains whether this XXL promise will be seen as visionary… or as a high-risk bet in a metropolis already deeply divided on transportation issues.
Source: Le Progrès