The existing A8 Motorway serves the Cote d'Azur and runs from the Italian border near Ventimiglia to the west of Antibes via Nice. In 1992 GEFIDA appointed SGS of Bologna and Steer Davies Gleave of London to review the plans for the A8 Bis and develop an alternative package to the one the French Gvernment has proposed. The consultants' proposals include phased construction of a new route for the proposed motorway close to the coast, designed to solve the immediate problems along the most critical section just west of Nice by the first phase. This was combined with a proposal to de-designate a section of the existing motorway so it could carry more local traffic. A package of public transport improvements including guided transport improvements including guided bus, improved rail services, integrated timetabling and priority corridors was also prepared. The consultants' proposals are now being supported by the regional council of Marseille and the government is seriously considering the alternative package which has been described as "the best counter project ever presented in France". A joint Franco-Italian commission is now considering how public transport along the coast can be improved. (A)
Abstract