07 April 2008

French Bureaucracy Alive and Well in Nice

ABOUT TWO YEARS ago the city of Nice decided to embark on a wide-ranging overhaul of the largest open square in the center of town: the Place Massena. The project was part of a grand plan to introduce a new tramway and new traffic pattern in downtown Nice. For those two years much of Nice was a congestion-filled contruction zone, causing massive headaches for anyone trying to get around the area. But last November, with great fanfare, the tram and 'new' Place Massena were inaugurated, promising much needed relief for commuters and a pedestrian-friendly area for those interested in shopping or a quick trip to a cafe. President Sarkozy even made a visit to kick of the festivities.

But now, a short four months later, the Nice city government has announed that....they are going to tear up the Place Massena and start again!!

Why, you might ask? Because, according to a spokesperson, the newly created traffic patterns don't seem to be working. There is still too much congestion. So the city will soon begin work on a 12-month re-re-restoration project in the heart of Nice. Splendid!
CJS

1 comment :

Monique Geisler said...

Wow... can I say that I actually lived in Nice in 2005 when I studied abroad there. The construction was horrendous and lasted about two years longer than necessary.

Why would they want to go through that again?!?!