© Genyphyr Novak
Light at the End of the Tunnel for Chamonix Pollution
Green light for new rail link that will ease heavy traffic on local roads
The debate over air quality in the Chamonix Valley has long been a hot topic that has been gaining more and more public support in recent years. Increasing pollution levels and more incidents of illness in the local population have prompted protests, petitions and rallies from residents. Now, finally, it seems that a solution is being proposed.
François Hollande has this week announced the launch of a project that was first agreed 14 years ago - the construction of 220km high speed railway line between Lyon and Turin that will carry both freight and passengers, much of it underground.
The necessary legal documents that allow the work to go ahead have been filed and funding has been allocated to the tune of 8.6 billion euros; 2.2 billion is to be financed by France and 2.9 billion by Italy. An application has been made for the European Union to cough up the remaining 40% and this will be confirmed tomorrow (Thursday 26th) when the dossier is due to be closed and then, hopefully, there’ll be no holding back! Exploratory work is due to start in 2016 and the rail service is expected to enter service in 2028-29. Although, bearing in mind how long it took to retile Chamonix swimming pool, who knows how long it might take to complete a 57km tunnel…?
Local initiatives such as ARSMB and Inspire have done much to mobilise the local population and raise awareness of environmental issues and Chamonix mayor, Eric Fournier, has appeared on national TV to highlight the problem. It’s not just a French issue either, a protest in Italy back in 2011 led to 47 people being handed prison sentences.
More detailed information (in French) can be found on the project here, we'll be following up the story with more information as we get it.
