Villeneuve-sur-Lot: the prefecture of Lot-et-Garonne gives the green light to the greenway on the banks of the Lot

The greenway along the Lot will become a reality. File launched several years ago by the Greater Villeneuvois agglomeration, the project plans to create a track dedicated to soft mobility on the banks of the Lot. A route which would extend over approximately 4 km, on a strip of land 5 meters wide, with an overall budget amounting to €1,728,500 – including €70,000 for the acquisition of plots. The news broke this weekend, with a document signed by the hand of Daniel Barnier: the prefecture of Lot-et-Garonne has given the green light, declaring this greenway along the Lot of public utility.

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The end of a long administrative process which exacerbated tensions, particularly with residents of the route. Indeed, the inhabitants and farmers who are located on the edge of the river, between the Virebeau dam and the Rogé castle, have been campaigning from the start to return to the initial idea, that of creating a gentle route instead. of the old railway line linking Villeneuve to Penne-d'Agenais. The elected officials of Greater Villeneuvois, who still have the hope of putting a train back on the rails between the two cities of the Lot valley, had opted for this route on the banks of the Lot. More touristy, but above all more economical: the bill would rise to almost 2 million euros on the old railway line.

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The public inquiry carried out at the beginning of the summer led Villeneuvois to speak out on the subject. In total, 61 contributions were collected by the investigating commissioner: 32 supported the proposed project, while 26 denounced it – notably three agricultural unions. To calm the anger, the community intends to create “at the request of farmers, enclosed shelters to secure the drawing pumps. The CAGV will lay pipes under the greenway to ensure the passage of watering pipes”. First opponent, the arborist Emmanuel Aze who, from a security point of view and fears of theft, did not hide his fears of seeing walkers and cyclists near his farm. “We actually believe it is perfectly legitimate to close the greenway around Mr. Aze's farmhouse given the direct proximity to the greenway and the presence of agricultural equipment. Also, the CAGV will take responsibility and proceed as follows. his request for the installation of fences” said the president of the agglomeration Gérard Régnier.

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President-Mayor Régnier said this Friday that he was “very happy to see this project declared of public utility”, praising “the work of the services”. “This decision credits the project to being located on the banks of the Lot” asserts the city councilor. The timetable for its completion remains to be seen.

First step, the “easiest” to operate: that between avenue Henri-Barbusse to the place called Grand-Pièce. Just after the last strip of asphalt of the current Route de Tournon cycle path (just after the automatic radar), the greenway will plunge into the undergrowth to find the surroundings of the hydroelectric dam site. It is there, on the outskirts of the place called Grand-Pièce, that the operation to develop the banks of the Lot must begin. Note that this is where Agropole III is to be built. The mayor's entourage tells us that the first part, through the undergrowth, should start by next year. The rest of the track, up to the Château de Rogé, will have to wait for the new term of office of Grand Villeneuvois to know its timetable. The time needed, also, for the expropriation of land necessary for the new 4 km track.