Entrances to the Croix-Rousse Tunnel

The extensive renovation of the Croix-Rousse tunnel in Lyon also involved the creation of a new security tunnel for ‘sustainable transport’, which opened in December 2013. Created for Grand Lyon (Greater Lyon), it provides a link between the Saône and Rhône rivers for bicycles, pedestrians and electric buses.

Our role was to design the entrances to the Croix-Rousse tunnel and devise the new ‘Rhône-Saône avenue’, which involved :

— Using locally-cut Villebois stone to form the identity of the first spandrel, in continuity with the large buildings lining the Rhone quayside, such as Soufflot’s Hôtel-Dieu,

— Using small Corton limestone blocks to build a large retaining wall with cavities that overlooks the tunnel entrance on the Saône side. Corton, an ochre stone sourced in the Saône valley, blends in with the colours of the Saône riverside landscape.

The inside of the tunnel is an ‘art gallery’ and images are projected onto the walls throughout its 1.7 kilometre length.

This project and work of art was completed thanks to the expertise of Vinci Construction and high quality work by the Comte company who made the solid stone entrances.