Vehicles can finally drive along the rue du Nouvel Hôpital in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges following the reopening of the thoroughfare on Monday, August 31, 2025. The reopening concludes the construction begun at the start of the summer 2025 on the heavily traveled route linking the hospital to the downtown core, though drivers must now navigate a significantly altered traffic layout.
New Traffic Flows and Speed Limits
Traffic regulations on the route have shifted. Motorists can drive in both directions between the rue de Dijon and house number 39 on the rue du Nouvel Hôpital. Beyond that point, the route transitions into a one-way street heading toward the place de la Rochotte. The downtown 30 zone is extended to include the rue du Nouvel Hôpital, alongside the chemin des Bouquets and the chemin de la Promenade de Gratin at their intersections with this street.
Cyclists and Pedestrians Face Strict Layout Changes
A dedicated climbing bicycle lane now runs from the place de la Rochotte up to the emergency department entrance at the Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, where stopping and parking of motorized vehicles are forbidden. Pedestrian movements face tighter restrictions as well; between the place de la Rochotte and the chemin de la Promenade de Gratin, pedestrians must exclusively use the sidewalk on the even-numbered side, as walking on the odd-numbered side is banned.
Signage and Public Transit Updates
Traffic signals will soon be installed at intersections with the chemin de la Promenade de Gratin and the chemin des Bouquets, alongside supplementary lights designed to manage local resident access. A new bus stop is operational in front of house number 29. Yield signs and stop signs complete the updated intersection safety measures across the corridor.
Broader Infrastructure Timeline
The recent reopening represents one milestone in a broader infrastructure overhaul managed jointly by the agglomeration community of Saint-Dié and the City. Bruno Toussaint defended the necessity of the upgrades, stating, « On ne va pas attendre qu’il y ait des morts pour le faire ». The project spans thirteen months through August 2026, incorporating night-time asbestos abatement of road surfaces by Colas, drinking water and wastewater pipe installations by Lingenheld TP, and the eventual underground burial of overhead electrical and telecommunication lines.
