The face of the future Place de la Gare de Lausanne and its related streets was presented on Tuesday. The investigation into this redevelopment project estimated at 29 million francs, partly financed by the City, begins on Wednesday. It may still change, but here are the main points.
In front of the passenger building, a large esplanade is planned, with two stepped terraces. All vegetated. Around, the traffic routes, devoid of pedestrian crossings, will be limited to 30km/h. “Everyone has a place and everyone must respect their place,” says municipal councilor Natacha Litzistorf. But at the same time, cars will travel on the same lane as buses, which will find their stops on the square. Also no more roundabouts, which sometimes complicate TL maneuvers.
At rue Louis-Ruchonnet, the sidewalks will be widened and parking spaces for bicycles are expected. On Place de la Gare, which is 75% pedestrian, the City plans to reduce individual motorized traffic by 40%. To be counterbalanced with “a massive arrival of public transport, and in particular the m2 metro and the future m3”, declares municipal councilor Natacha Litzistorf. The authorities are nevertheless counting on two future car parks, at Epinettes and la Rasude, which will be connected to the station and the platforms. That’s it for the surface.
In addition to the project to redevelop the square and its related streets, which will be investigated tomorrow, those involved in the project have imagined that the majority of pedestrian flows will take place via three passages, which will be dug under the Place de la Gare , and equipped with shops. These underground walkways, where the m2 and m3 stops will converge, will provide direct access to the platforms and car parks. Entrances/exits will also be scattered around the square to guarantee access to the basement.
Between the redevelopment of Place de la Gare and its related streets, as well as the creation of the basement, the total cost is estimated at 238 million. The costs will be shared between all stakeholders, namely the City, the Canton of Vaud, the Confederation and the CFF. The overall project should begin in 2027-2028. Work management should be an additional challenge. “If all goes well, the end of all work is planned for 2036-2037,” said Natacha Litzistorf.
