Major works on the Pont de Pierre and arrival of new lines: everything that changes for your travel from June 2 to August 31

This summer, prepare to adjust your journeys in Bordeaux! From Monday, June 2 to Sunday, August 31, 2025, the metropolitan tramway network will experience significant disruptions. Lines A, C, and D will be partially closed, particularly in the strategic Pont de Pierre area.

But why these summer inconveniences? The reason is twofold: essential consolidation work for the Pont de Pierre, a true heritage jewel, and a vast modernization of the network in anticipation of the arrival of the future lines E and F.

This article will detail the affected sections, the transportation alternatives implemented by TBM, and the long-term benefits of these projects for smoother and more efficient mobility in Bordeaux. Stay informed for a smooth summer on the rails... or almost!

Dates and lines affected by the shutdown

The Bordeaux tramway is adapting to an intensive work program. The major service interruption will take place from Monday, June 2 to Sunday, August 31, 2025. Prepare for changes on several key routes of the TBM network.

Here are the specific lines and sections that will be impacted during this summer period:

• Line A : Expect two interruptions. Tram A will be interrupted between Sainte-Catherine and Stalingrad stations, in particular due to work on the Pont de Pierre. In addition, a second section will be affected between Mérignac Centre and Le Haillan Rostand.
• Line C : Traffic will be suspended between Quinconces and Villenave Pyrénées stations. Bordeaux SNCF train station is located on this section.
• Line D : Service will also be interrupted between Quinconces and Carle Vernet.

These adjustments are not practical for users, but essential to enable the planned work to be carried out and to ensure the sustainability and development of the network.

Works and modernization in Bordeaux

Two major projects justify this forced break.

• First, the work to consolidate the Pont de Pierre. This iconic monument has been closed to buses since May 5 for a period of 4 years and its access to trams is suspended from June 2 to August 31, 2025. This intervention is crucial for its "heritage conservation" and its structural consolidation. Only pedestrians and cyclists can currently cross the structure. It is important to note that these measures to suspend the tram on the Pont de Pierre will be renewed during the months of July and August in 2026 and 2027.

• Next, a second major project is taking place in the Porte de Bourgogne sector. This key site of the network is undergoing a complete modernization of its signaling, rails and points. These improvements are essential to improve the fluidity and safety of traffic.

This work is also a crucial step for the future of the TBM network in Bordeaux. It actively prepares for the arrival of the future lines E (Blanquefort – Floirac Dravemont) and F (Mérignac Aéroport – Gare de Bègles), which are scheduled to come into service at the end of 2025. The integration of these new lines, combined with the installation of new trains, will significantly contribute to improving the frequency and capacity of the entire network, ultimately providing a better experience for users.

The consequences for users

This extensive work will inevitably have a direct impact on everyone's mobility, whether they're regular residents, workers, or the many tourists who visit Bordeaux during the summer. But don't panic! TBM has implemented a series of alternative solutions to minimize disruption.

Several iconic sites and museums, popular with visitors, will see their access impacted by these tram interruptions. Prepare to adjust your itinerary if you plan to visit these sites:

• The Aquitaine Museum and Saint-André Cathedral are served by line B and are therefore not directly impacted. However, the nearby line A may require a readjustment of connections.
• The Museum of Fine Arts is near line B, but also line A. If your route was to take tram A, take line G instead, which was installed to simplify your travel in Bordeaux.
• The CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art of Bordeaux is near the Quinconces, where line C will be interrupted. Take Bus C, which replaces the tram.
• La Cité du Vin is located on line B. However, connections to line B may be affected by the works.

Transportation alternatives

• To compensate for the tram shutdown, TBM relay buses will be deployed during the same time slots as the tram along the affected lines. This is an essential alternative to maintain service continuity.
• For people with reduced mobility (excluding wheelchairs), a dedicated service called Mobi'Vélo will be available between Stalingrad and Sainte-Catherine. It will operate Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a frequency of 20 minutes.
• Looking for an original crossing? The Bato, the river shuttles, offer a picturesque alternative on the Garonne.
• For those using public transport beyond the tram, the 3-month Train Pass allows unlimited travel between all TER stations in Bordeaux Métropole from June 1 to August 31, 2025. An interesting solution for exploring the surrounding area or reaching other neighborhoods.
• For shorter distances, particularly to cross the Pont de Pierre, bicycle taxis will be available between Stalingrad and Sainte-Catherine from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Le Vélo stations have also been installed at each end of the Pont de Pierre, encouraging the use of soft modes of transport such as walking and cycling. It takes approximately 10 minutes on foot to cross the bridge.

Possible solutions from Bordeaux station during summer 2025

Given the disruptions to the tramway this summer, here are some concrete solutions for connecting Bordeaux Saint-Jean station to the city center, and the station to the airport:

1. To get from Bordeaux Saint-Jean Station to the city center

Normally, tram line C is the direct solution between Saint-Jean Station and the city center (Quinconces, Place de la Bourse). However, with the interruption of this line between "Quinconces" and "Villenave Pyrénées" this summer, alternatives should be favored:

• Bus Relay:

TBM will be introducing replacement buses that will run along the same route and at the same times as tram C. Look for the clearly marked replacement stops near the station. This is the most direct alternative offered by TBM.

• The classic bus:

TBM's Line 1 also connects Gare Saint-Jean to key points in the city center (for example, Gambetta or Place Tourny, via the line that serves the airport). This is a good option if you are not on the exact route of the interrupted Line C relay buses.

• Walking or cycling:

For the historic heart (Place de la Bourse, Grand Théâtre), walking from the station is possible for the more courageous (around 20-30 minutes).

Vcub (shared bikes) are also a great, fast and convenient way to get from the train station to the city center. Stations are available near the station and throughout the city center.

2. To get from Bordeaux Saint-Jean Station to the Airport (Bordeaux-Mérignac)

Tram line A is affected this summer between "Mérignac Centre" and "Le Haillan Rostand", which complicates the usual route via tram + bus a little.

• The 30' Direct Shuttle:

This is the simplest and most direct solution. The Navette 30'Direct (formerly a branch of the Liane 1, now often identified as a specific airport shuttle) connects Gare Saint-Jean directly to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport. It departs from the bus stop located right in front of the station. The journey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

• Tram + Bus Combination:

If part of tram line A is operational from the city center to a connection point with Liane 39 (which connects Mérignac Center to the airport), this could be an option, but the Navette 30'Direct remains the most fluid from the station.

Check the exact route of the relay buses for line A if you choose to take the tram.

General advice for both journeys:

• Check the TBM app or website : Before every trip, use the TBM app or website (infotbm.com and tbm2025.infotbm.com). They will provide the most up-to-date information on relay bus routes, frequencies, and estimated journey times.
• Plan ahead : Allow extra time for your journeys, especially if you have a train or flight.
• Plan with a route planner : Use tools like Google Maps or TBM's route planner that incorporate real-time disruptions to find the best route.