Bridging the Gap: Monaco’s New Wurtemberg Walkway is a Game-Changer!

It’s happening. The Principality is on the move in more ways than one with its mobility plan. One more giant step or giant walkway to be precise… the ‘Würtemburg’ footbridge.

And that’s good news for commuters, good news for the environment and good news for everyone’s quality of life.

A significant milestone in Monaco’s urban transformation has just been surpassed as the long-awaited Wurtemberg Footbridge becomes operational. This 65-meter metallic marvel is already enhancing pedestrian connectivity and will ease traffic congestion in the Principality.

The journey to this achievement began in mid-April, during the inauguration of the expansive Salines parking lot and gallery. The princely government pledged that the Wurtemberg footbridge would open by summer, and today, that promise has been fulfilled. The new footbridge is part of a broader effort to encourage soft mobility and improve pedestrian routes across Monaco.

Strategically connecting the new 1,790-space parking facility at Jardin Exotique with the bustling districts of Fontvieille and La Condamine, the Wurtemberg Footbridge offers a quick, 10-minute walk between these key areas. This initiative, coupled with attractive parking rates at the Salines, will reduce intra-city traffic by enticing commuters and tourists to park their vehicles and explore Monaco on foot.

Meticulous Design and Engineering

The footbridge itself is a testament to meticulous design and engineering. Fabricated at the Renaudat factory in Châteauroux, its four segments were expertly welded and installed by master carpenters last December. The result is a sleek, 65-meter structure that spans more than 11 meters above the ground, accessible to pedestrians and those with reduced mobility via a gentle, continuous 4% slope.

The idea of the Wurtemberg footbridge has roots dating back to early 2000s plans to replace the old Wurtemberg bridge. The project faced initial design criticisms, prompting a redesign to achieve a lighter, more airy structure that harmonizes with the urban landscape. This new version was unanimously approved by the Municipal Council in July 2021.

The footbridge also aligns with Monaco’s broader Mobility Plan, introduced in February. This plan emphasizes reducing traffic congestion and promoting eco-friendly transportation options. Central to this strategy is the new Parking Salines, a colossal structure with 15 levels and 1,790 parking spaces, including 100 Monaco ON electric charging stations. This facility alone is expected to cut down the number of daily vehicles entering Monaco by 4,000.

Parking Salines

Parking Salines is not just a parking lot; it is a comprehensive transport hub. It features two bike stations, 100 motorcycle spaces, a state-of-the-art car wash, and 20 coach spaces. Complementing the parking facilities, two express bus lines provide frequent service between the parking lot and key districts, running every 10 minutes, with increased frequency during rush hours.

The pedestrian-friendly design includes the Salines Gallery, adorned with artwork by Roger Capron, accessible from Level -15 of the parking structure. This gallery connects to Avenue Pasteur and the new Princess Grace Hospital. The Wurtemberg Footbridge, now operational, offers direct access to Avenue de Fontvieille. By 2025, it will be joined by the Fontvieille Footbridge, further extending pedestrian access to the Ilot Pasteur district.

Monaco’s commitment to transforming its urban landscape and enhancing mobility is evident in this successful completion of the Wurtemberg Footbridge. This structure not only serves as a vital link in the city’s pedestrian network but also exemplifies the principality’s dedication to sustainable and innovative urban planning.