route is lined with 2,300 trees, 17,000 shrubs and 50,000 various plants. Construction Surveying of the ground began on 1 September 2008. In February 2009, the definitive route of the new tramway was known, as well as the plans for the proposed layout. In 2010, the first preparatory works began, diverting gas and water pipes. The estimated date that the tramway would start operating was December 2012. Meanwhile, the bus network was restructured to offer a better service to the areas not provided by the new tramway. In October, a new website was launched, providing updates on the progress of the project, and included a virtual journey. A team of 8 tramway ambassadors was put together in order to reassure and update residents and shopkeepers on the progress of the construction. Changes to road routes In order to ensure the best circulation of traffic during the construction of the tramway lines, changes were made between June and September 2009 to the layout of the route from the Boulevard Francois I to the Chaussée Georges Pompidou. The changes included: the installation of traffic lights; the removal of the roundabout at the junction of Boulevard Francois I and Chaussée Kennedy; the widening of lanes on the Quai de Southampton, Quai de l'Île and the Quai de Casimir Delavigne and a one-way layout on the Chausée Georges Pompidou. In addition, cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings were added. The new tunnel The main project of the construction of the new tramway was the tunnel. It is more than 500 metres long, built east of the existing tunnel Jenner and entirely reserved for the new tramway. The drilling was completed in November 2011. The mairie of Le Havre was responsible for all planning work necessary: layout of the road and surrounding area; diversion of underground networks; and access to the new tunnel. Stations The construction of the stations began in May 2012. The installation was carried out by Clear Channel Communications. Over three days, it took place in several stages. The construction of the platforms was specially designed to meet the demands of disabled people (with wheelchair access) and the visually impaired with the installation of tactile paving. Costs The total cost of the construction of the tramway was €395 million. Funding came from three sources: CODAH provided €237 million; state and local authorities from the region Haute-Normandie and the département Seine-Maritime provided €90.85 million;