The project to double lane the western ring road of Colmar (RD83) has been postponed by the CEA. Its cost has been reassessed from 50 to 65 million euros. This bypass has been in the works since the 90s but there is still no consensus.
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The project to widen the western ring road of Colmar plans to create two lanes between the Ingersheim roundabout and the Carrefour des Oignons (Ricoh interchange) in Eguisheim. This involves widening the road by 4.6 km to improve traffic flow. Because on this RD83 25,000 vehicles pass through every day.
There are those who defend this project and regret its postponement by the CEA like Lucien Muller, the mayor of Wettolsheim and councilor of Alsace. Because on the outskirts of his town, the mayor ensures that 22,000 vehicles including 2,500 heavy goods vehicles pass through every day.
And it will not decrease because explains Lucien Muller, “studies predict 30,000 vehicles by 2030/35. We see it during rush hours, there are traffic jams and cars pass directly through the streets of Wettolsheim.”
Among the supporters of postponing the project, the mayor of Wintzenheim, Serge Nicole. Its commune would be the most impacted by the widening of the RD83. Because the project, modified since a consultation carried out in March 2023 by the CEA with residents, now takes into account soft modes of transport. Enough to increase the starting bill from 45 million euros to 60 million. And increase the work.
Because this new study integrates the creation of a five-meter high bridge for light vehicles at the Ligibel crossroads to span the level crossing. A north-south underground at the same intersection is also part of the new project. Residents are against it and Serge Nicole, the mayor of Wintzenheim, has asked for it to be postponed until after the 2026 municipal elections.
A wise decision for the mayor of Colmar, Eric Straumann, also president of the community of Communes of Colmar. Pleading with him so that “tall stakeholders are on the same wavelength. If we launch a project of this scale, we need broad support.”
Colmar west ring road project, a 65 million euro project.
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© Manuel Ruch /France Télévisions
And for the moment, there are still many opponents, between residents, users and environmentalists. They criticize a project that is too expensive, out of time, and fear an increase in noise and pollution.
The idea is that the mayors elected in 2026 adhere to the project and finance it. As the mayor of Wettolsheim points out, although he is on the front line for my project to be done, “thisThere is no point in forcing if the main elected officials do not want it. I can understand them. But I remain optimistic. Because this widening of the western ring road is a bit like when you go to the cardiologist because an artery is stuck, they put a stent on you. On the RD83, it’s the same, it’s like a stent.”
A “sea serpent” file which will delight the new local elected officials in the Colmar sector by 2026.
