Ongoing works at Le mans

[Nordic]

Some info on the works being planned for the next few years. If you click on the road sign it shows whats being done
Terte rouge is going to be reprofiled

http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/d...vaux/index.html

The site of the new cycle velodrome

http://site.voila.fr/fdlm2/divers/lemans02.jpg

A new football stadium is due to be built over the next few years. you can see how close is to the Houx annexe site and the cycle velodrome

http://site.voila.fr/fdlm2/divers/lemans01.jpg
____________________
 
Thanks to JJSS for the info.

[Dan Lowe]

Why Why Why!!!!!!

[Lorry]

If it aint broke, don't fix it can't translate into French

Anyway, Tetre Rouge is being reprofiled for safety, and given larger run off areas.  The main tunnel to the village is being enlarged, and the road from there to Dunlop being reprofiled to make it safer for the bikes.  You'll recall they ruined the exit from Dunlop too.  Then, they're building a tram station and tunnel near the first Mulsane chicane.  All this plus the village rebuild - will we recognise the place?

Gradzinsky et Traploir must be making a fortune out of this

[jpchenet]

Why Why Why!!!!!!

Delilah!!

[Andy Zarse]

Ignoring the ongoing ruination of the track, which is a bloody disgrace, frankly, I'm prepared to give the ACO the benefit of the doubt on changes to the Village.
The old Village was crap, a ramshackle collection of old wooden sheds form the 60s and 70s. Yes, I used to love the smell and atmosphere, but shiny and new will be much better.

However, if all they do is knock down the old ones and put up a load of glorified tents and portacabins, I will be furious. This is what they did with the wonderful old tribunes, which had witnessed races going back pre-war. I'm all for change, but only provided it's change for the better.

The Town Council are to be applauded too for the new tram link; it'll make getting to/from the parade on the friday so much easier. Just leave the Stella Bar alone!

[Lorry]

"Change" has been a big thing over recent years.  Years ago we had a similar concept.  I think it was called improvement.  Evolution, not revolution.

I agree, there must be a fear that the new village will be portacabins and polytents

[Dark Warrior]

Andy,

How you doin' bud...

You mentioned something about a tram link... As you say, great for the parade etc... Do you or any body know when this is scheduled to open...?

Gilles, have you any info ?


Best wishes to all...

DW

ps : Welcome back Robbo...! Illegitime nil carborundum (or something like that ...)

[Nordic]

I am quite hopeful of the village refurb, I understand the old one has already been flattened.
The atmophere left the place a few years ago and the renewal was overdue I feel.

Hopefully it won't be a concrete waste land with no trees full of shops selling deck chairs and other tat.

I am reading 'A French Kiss with Death' at the moment, there is a history of the circuit as part of the book with pictures of the old village layout, it looked to have been more open then, maybe the ACO will be able to capture some of the feel.

The book also gives a history of the track layout, it has hardly ever stayed the same for more than a few years since it was born. I cared little for the dunlop chicane and the revison will make no differance to me. Terte Rouge on the other hand, to reprofile it will change the track in a big way I feel.

[Perdu]

The thing about a tram to the first Huaudieres chicane might mean real actual access to the Mulsanne straight  though mightn't it. Will ACO be making a viewing area there at last? (OK I can dream can't I?)

I don't see the sense of a football stadium by the Antares Parking area either. Has France a different football close season to us?

 

Questions questions...

[neilsie]

whats the betting the tram link runs alongside the N138...   so go guess when it wont be running!

[helmetpurple]

whats the betting the tram link runs alongside the N138...   so go guess when it wont be running!

http://www.ville-lemans.fr/download.do?uuid=7D3AF4E6-7F000001-245D0CEB-011637E0

Opens 2007

[Steve Pyro]

Looks like the Stella Bar may become a 'Depot' then 

I wonder how the tramway will affect the run onto the Mulsanne straight from Tertre Rouge?  According to the ACO site, that is one area of the circuit that is being modified.  Added to the fact that the old allotments have been abandoned and it all starts to make sense.

At least we'll be able to take the tram to town for the parade - or will it stop running at 6 pm 

Another (edited) thought.  The map shows a 320 car parking area at Antares.  Also, other plans show a football stadium in that area.  This may be the death of Houx Annexe (he says, hoping this is not true).

[Ferrari Spider]

Looking at the proposed works how do you think they plan to get the tram lines across the mulsanne straight?  above it or below it?

[Lorry]

I think there's mention of a tunnel, and it doesn't look as if the station is in Houx Annexe.  But everything in France stops at 6pm, with one obvious exception

[Nordic]

Another (edited) thought.  The map shows a 320 car parking area at Antares.  Also, other plans show a football stadium in that area.  This may be the death of Houx Annexe (he says, hoping this is not true).

That was my first thought, the photo shows how close the stadium is. In fact it may have been the cause of the rumours last year that the annexe was not going to be used this year.

I have been told that the football and cycle staduim will share the car park between them, at least for the next couple of year.