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Peripherique, Paris
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The Paris inner orbital road system was constructed in the 60s and 70s and remains a fundamental part of the road transport network. Much of the route is in a cutting and very close to dense neighbourhoods and other transport infrastructure. In recent years several areas have been given a lid or deck. These areas are often used for public realm, parks and sports facilities. This has had the effect of improving the connectivity of communities and reducing air pollution and acoustic disturbance. The geometry of the original cuttings has meant that the decking has been relatively achievable in most of the locations undertaken so far.
Figure 7.8 - Peripherique, Paris Map data: Google, Maxar Technologies
Rive Gauche, Paris
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The Rive Gauche site has been gradually developed over the last 20 years. The zone is a collaboration between the City of Paris and SNCF, custodians of the rail land. The development entity is known as SEMAPA and the rail lines mostly feed Gare d’Austerlitz, which is located about 1km further west. Working from the eastern end of the site, this large tract of rail land is now largely overbuilt. The rail lines are roughly 6m below the road level to the north and at grade with streets to the south. The transfer deck effectively extends the higher (northern) ground level towards the south by around 70m. The deck is supported typically on long wall elements to help reduce the span (and hence the depth) of transfer beams. The deck, which is currently around 1000m, long supports offices, residential, retail and public realm. A new road crossing has been formed and level differences for pedestrians overcome with stairs, escalators and lifts. The deck comprises a mixture of precast beams, steel plate girders, trusses and hybrid elements to suit specific rail conditions. The rail is overhead electrified and there are a number of switches and other critical elements of rail infrastructure. There is no station below the deck. New buildings above are mostly in the region of 12 storeys high and the project is one of the best city overbuild developments in the world.
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Figure 7.9 - Rive Gauche, Paris Map data: Google, Maxar Technologies