the rant of a district mayor after the closure of a tunnel in Paris

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“We can’t stay like this for several weeks, it’s lamentable.” Almost a month after the closure of the Citroën-Cévennes tunnel (in the south-north direction), the mayor of the 15th arrondissement of Paris, Philippe Goujon, is not upset.

Since October 12, this “strategic axis » which allows entry into the capital is closed to motorists due to a minor accident.

Very strict safety standards

After a bad maneuver, an RATP bus “torn out the cabinet that controls the safety devices” from the place, explains Philippe Goujon. Except that since 1999 and the collapse of the Mont-Blanc tunnel which had caused the death of 39 peopleall tunnels over 300 meters long are subject to very strict safety standards.

However, without this cabinet, the proper functioning of the tunnel is no longer assured. Philippe Goujon assures that the Paris town hall, in charge of the tunnels, ordered the part which cannot be repaired but only changed, has been ordered. Except that after a month later, it still hasn't been delivered. “It’s taking a long time, I’m scandalized“, explains the councilor toParis news.

The tunnel should reopen in early December

And the deadlines should lengthen, because according to Philippe Goujon, the reopening of the tunnel is not planned before December. “It is unacceptable to wait so long,” laments the mayor.

Faced with this protracted situation, the town hall of the 15th arrondissement has obtained the deployment of panelsindicating that the tunnel is inaccessible. Philippe Goujon also wrote to the Police Prefecture to request reinforcements from police officers on the Balard-Saint-Charles axis – which is close to the tunnel – in order to “streamline traffic”.

Contacted, the Paris town hall has not yet responded to our requests.

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