It's a big construction site that's almost finished. The Porte Maillot area has been completely revamped from fall 2021 to spring 2024. Over the past three years, teams have been hard at work reconfiguring transportation routes, adjusting networks, and creating new green spaces. All with the main goal of improving traffic flow and access to the western part of the capital.
Moving towards a more eco-friendly entranceway
The key idea behind the transformation of this famous location was to increase the amount of greenery. The result: a whopping 1500 trees planted in Parodi Square. This park now serves as an extension of the Bois de Boulogne and seamlessly integrates into the landscape between the Arc de Triomphe and the La Defense arch. Additionally, the Esplanade of the Palais des Congrès has been transformed into a massive 12,000 square meter garden.
Rethinking transportation options
Transportation is also getting a makeover. The six-lane intersection at Porte Maillot has been redesigned to improve traffic flow and create a more efficient system for commuters. Watch the video below to see the progress made in this exciting transformation!The roundabout that dominated Paris in the 1970s has been replaced by a central reservation with two sets of four lanes each, as Le Parisien reports. The straight road from the Louvre to La Defense, once blocked by the roundabout, has regained its splendor. In total, the area has been rejuvenated. The space dedicated to cars has been reduced by 41%, while pedestrian areas have increased by 38%. This is a way to ensure a balance between lanes for cars, those for cyclists, and those for pedestrians. Check out the top 5 districts in Paris for cyclists at this link.
©Guillaume Bontemps/Ville de Paris
On the public transportation front, things are also moving. In addition to metro line 1, RER C, the bus network, and the bus station, tramway T3 is being extended from Porte d'Asnières to Porte Dauphine. A new station is also under construction to accommodate the future extension of RER E towards the west. Some additional improvements will be made in 2025, after the Olympic Games, including the planting of additional trees.
