Beware of the “Olympic lanes”!

During the Olympic and Paralympic period, 185 km of lanes on the roadways around Paris will be privatized.

These lanes will be reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles dedicated to the transportation of athletes, accredited journalists, or official delegations. Of course, we must care for athletes and VIPs, but rest assured that they will also be used for emergency and security vehicles, taxis, ambulances, and public transport. Any vehicle using an Olympic lane without prior authorization is liable to a fine of 135 euros and legal action. 

They represent only one lane on the roadway; the others remain open to traffic. We can only question the risk of creating real bottlenecks on these routes. Take the example of the ring road. The identified Olympic lane, marked by illuminated signs and ground markings “PARIS 2024,” is located on the left, in place of the fast lane. Vehicles will therefore need to merge to the right to take the exits, but if the right lane(s) are congested, they will have to wait to merge, which will create a new traffic jam on the Olympic lane itself…

The lanes are activated this Monday, July 15, and are present on the following roadways:

• A1 between Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Porte de la Chapelle until September 11
• A4 between Collégien and Porte de Bercy until August 13 and then from August 30 to September 8
• A12 between Rocquencourt and Montigny le Bretonneux until August 13 and then from August 27 to September 8
• A13 between Porte Maillot and Rocquencourt until August 13 and then from August 27 to September 8
• The ring road, from Porte de Vanves to Porte de Bercy, passing through the north until August 13 and then from August 22 to September 11
• The circular boulevard (La Défense) until August 13 and then from August 22 to September 11
• Some Parisian routes

Let’s wait and see how traffic will be in Île de France, but above all, keep in mind that this is no surprise. These traffic restrictions have been announced and prepared for over two years and will only be temporary. Do not be misled by the alarmists or attempts at misinformation, as the time is not for criticism but for anticipation. The sole aim is for the celebration to be enjoyable for everyone.

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