On Monday, January 20, 2025, the Montreuil Gate began the preparatory work for its long transformation phase, which should be completed in a few years. This project has been under discussion for about fifteen years and is set to kick off for real next March, aiming to redefine the appearance of this aging roundabout that overlooks part of the boulevard ring road. It's going to be a huge project that could throw the area into a bit of chaos for a few months, before unveiling an amazing result.
Creating a connection between Paris and the suburbs
For the past few years, the Paris mayor's office, led by Anne Hidalgo, has taken on a significant project: transforming the main gates of Paris, which are true entry points to the capital, into places of sharing and exchange.
and the link between the City of Light and its nearby suburbs. The latest area to note: the Porte de Montreuil, where the main construction is set to kick off in just a few weeks.Je l'attends de pied ferme j'ai l'impression de frôler la mort à chaque seconde en traversant Porte de Montreuil en ce moment https://t.co/3z0jVJxTQW pic.twitter.com/GPwmR5rDOl
— Andrea K.🍦 // @andreakropka.bsky.social (@AndieCrispy) November 17, 2024
So, what can we expect? It's quite simple: a total transformation. By 2030, about 3,000 m² of the périphérique will be covered by a huge platform, creating a space of over 40,000 m² - a true peaceful and pleasant meeting area for Parisians and the rest of the world, aka the residents of nearby suburbs. As a result, the entire center of the square will become pedestrian, and a modern bicycle path that goes both ways will be set up all around, promoting gentle mobility and making travel easier.
Goodbye cars, hello trees!
In order to restore the historical connection between Paris and Montreuil, one of the 3 car lanes currently present will be removed to reduce traffic, pollution, and noise. While access to the périphérique located just below will definitely be maintained, it will be accompanied by a massive greening effort, a project championed by Hidalgo. The new platform will welcome more than 1.5 hectares of green spaces, featuring tall trees, shrubs, and meadows that will bring joy to the local wildlife. By the end of the construction, expected between 2030 and 2031, offices, a health center, and a hotel complex should also emerge around the esplanade!
🔴 FLASH - #Paris : Les travaux viennent de démarrer porte de Montreuil (XXe).
— FLASH INFO Ile-de-France (@info_Paris_IDF) January 22, 2025
👉 La création d’une place va nécessiter de couvrir une partie du périphérique. Ce chantier à 220 millions d’euros doit s’achever en 2030 après des années de débat. (Lp) #Hidalgo pic.twitter.com/6dW4EMEF53
