Will the Voie Bleue, this new lake link between Corsier and Bellevue, really be operational next spring? Doubt has crept in since opponents set up an alternative project, called Lake Express. It would be more ecological and less invasive. The cantonal and federal authorities have yet to decide. “Le Courrier” reveals the turmoil between the different actors.
Sink the Voie Bleue project: this is what opponents of this lake crossing joining Corsier to Bellevue hope for. Since 2021, residents of Corsier-Port have opposed this project, which they consider too polluting and poorly thought out.
A new proposal, supported by private financiers and linking Cologny to Bellevue, is received much more favorably. “It is a project which appears sustainable, where the Voie Bleue consumes 66 tonnes of diesel per year, and which chooses the right landing stages where Corsier is inaccessible for several categories of the population” reacts Maître Romain Jordan, lawyer for the opponents: “So a sustainable, agile project without public funds, which can only be encouraged.”
This new project called “Lake Express”, its initiators do not yet want to reveal the details. But you can get a glimpse of it on their website. 2 electric boats on foils have already been ordered and a concession request will be submitted to Bern by the end of October.
Priceless pallafitic site
This new project is favored by Pierre Corboud. This archaeologist led the excavations of a pallafitic site located just off the Corsier-Port landing stage. From the beginning, he has opposed increased activity around this UNESCO World Heritage site.
“As soon as there is a change in currents and water movements, this reworks the entire bottom of the lake and the conservation of the site is no longer ensured.” Pierre Corboud, archaeologist
The archaeologist recommends at least bypassing the area by shuttles. But don’t believe it. “As soon as there is a little breeze, this bay of Corsier is extremely choppy. It would be very difficult to meet the conservation conditions we have requested. But if they were, archeology would have no opposition.”
Voie Bleue, a “mature project”
On the other bank, Bellevue has believed in this Voie Bleue project from the start. Supported by 12 municipalities around the lake, by the CGN, and by the Lombard-Odier bank which is building its new offices in Bellevue, the Voie Bleue is already well advanced. A concession application to the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) was submitted in July. Suffice it to say that the competing project does not shake the Bellevue councilor.
“Today we signed a financing agreement. It’s a mature project while we have no idea when the other project will be completed.” Bernard Taschini, mayor of Bellevue.
“We want to use existing infrastructure, existing boats and ports, to carry out this 3-year test period at a lower cost” concludes Bernard Taschini.
Same story from the CGN which indicates to us in writing, via its president Arnaud Gaillard. “We are not aware at this stage of another project and remain confident in the implementation of the Voie Bleue in spring 2025.”
Contacted, the Department of Health and Mobility does not want to comment on one or the other project. To do this, he is waiting for the OFT to return to Berne on the requests for concessions.
Related News :