T9 tramway delayed to 2027

The T9 tramway, which was meant to link the cities of Villeurbanne and Vaulx-en-Velin, will now open in June 2027 instead of by the end of 2026 or early 2027, as announced during a recent municipal council meeting in Vaulx-en-Velin.

T9 tramway project background

Approved in 2020, the T9 tramway is a 300 million euro project managed by Sytral, designed to connect the Croix-Luizet area in Villeurbanne to the La Soie area in Vaulx-en-Velin. It aims to improve public transport between these two suburbs of Lyon.

Construction progress and testing

The physical construction of the tramway is expected to be completed by December of this year, but a six-month testing period is needed before the line can open. Initial tests are scheduled to start in early 2025 in the Vaulx-Sud and Grande-Île areas, followed by testing in Villeurbanne.

Cost increase due to delays

The delay has added 94,000 euros to the budget of Vaulx-en-Velin. Sytral Mobilités has cited disputes over land acquisition, particularly in the La Soie area and near the Charles de Gaulle roundabout, as a key reason for the delay.

Land disputes and ongoing work

Negotiations over land use have also occurred in Villeurbanne, particularly on the rue de la Feyssine. Despite the delays, construction teams continue with finishing work and the installation of overhead power lines for the tramway.

Final rail work expected in autumn

The last rail welding in Vaulx-en-Velin is expected to take place during the autumn of this year, as crews work to complete the infrastructure before the testing phase begins.