Officials Reveal Canal Saint-Martin Redesign Prioritizing Cyclists and Pedestrians

The Canal Saint-Martin is undergoing a major redevelopment project lasting approximately two years, with work scheduled to conclude by 2026 to unveil a transformed site for its bicentenary.

Project Timeline

Construction is divided into phases, with the first mobility phase running from February to June 2024. The second mobility phase and landscaping work are scheduled between October 2024 and February 2026. This sequence supports the overall aim of completing the effort by the bicentenary year while allowing sections of the canal to remain accessible during parts of the process.

Mobility and Access Changes

The mobility phase includes creating 3.4 km of bicycle installations in the form of two vélo-rues along with 147 new bike racks. A total of 10,400 m² is dedicated specifically to pedestrians through 18 new crossing points and 2 pedestrian bridges. The project aims to ban most motorized vehicles except for local delivery, emergency services, and maintenance in order to prioritize space for cyclists and pedestrians. These measures address daily movement patterns along the 4.6 km canal by reallocating roadway space.

Landscaping and Ecology Measures

The landscaping project involves planting 52 new trees and installing 10 biodiversity refuges to increase vegetation and ecological diversity along the canal. Such additions are intended to support local habitat conditions as part of the broader infrastructure upgrades. Officials have framed the combined mobility and landscaping elements as a coordinated response to existing usage pressures on the waterway corridor.

Work will continue in line with the stated phases to reach the 2026 target. Residents and visitors can expect the completed changes to alter movement options and green coverage once the final sections are finished.