Journeys through Geneva by car and public transport are expected to be disrupted this summer, thanks to redevelopment and roadworks in the centre of the city. Drivers and commuters have been warned of slowdowns and diversions during the works, which in one case will take a whole year to complete.

Roads around Place des Alps to be closed for a year

In a statement, the local council confirmed that maintenance and redevelopment work will be taking place in Geneva around the Place des Alps. This work commenced on July 15 and is expected to continue for an entire year. 

Specifically, the Rue Adhémar-Fabri between the Beau-Rivage Hotel and the Brunswick Monument, and the roads around the Place des Alps will be redeveloped. The former will be made a one-way street thanks to the creation of a cycle path and a row of trees. Two new squares will also be created.

Authorities admitted that the renovations “could lead to slowdowns” for traffic in the city. Drivers will still be able to use the affected roads until the end of July, after which they will be closed to all but pedestrians and cyclists. Officials wrote that they are "aware of the inconvenience caused by these works" and thanked residents “for their patience and understanding.”

Geneva tram services to be modified in July and August

Elsewhere, Transports publics genevois (TPG) announced that it is “taking advantage of the summer period to carry out maintenance work and improve its infrastructure.” This will mean that several tram and bus routes will be modified in July and August, 2024.

From July 15 to 18, lines 14 and 18 will be diverted and will not stop at Bel-Air, Coutance and Place de Neuve due to rail works on the Rue de Coutance. Alternative connections are available via bus and tram lines 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, 19 and 20.

Then, from July 22 to 26, the installation of a new switch at Stand will force the diversion of line 15, meaning it will not stop at Mercier, Stand or Cirque. The line 1 bus will still run the route, but will not stop at Stand either.

Finally, the Trèfle-Blanc footbridge in Lancy will be renovated from July 29 to August 18. This will mean that Line 18 will terminate at Lancy-Bachet instead of Palettes during the renovations, meaning Grand-Lancy Pontets, and Trèfle-Blanc will not be served by trams. Bus lines 22 and 23 will maintain the route with the exception of the Trèfle-Blanc stop, which will remain closed for the duration of the work. 

During Friday and Saturday nights, a special bus will run between Bachet-de-Pesay and Palettes via Pontets.Those looking to travel in Geneva during the work are encouraged to check their journeys using the TPG app and official website.

Thumb image credit: ako photography / Shutterstock.com