Transport networks and urban networks in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais

In the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, the recent evolution of the transport net works has been characterized by the extension of the motorway grid and the opening of the high speed train link(TGV). But one can observe that these t wo types of infrastructure have had diametrically opposed effects through t he number of access points they offer. Indeed, if the motorway enables, tha nks to the network of secondary roads that extend its effects, all the regi ons connected to improve their accessibility, the TGV limits the benefits o f high speed connections to the few urban areas that are fortunate enough t o be situated directly on the new lines or on the traditional lines where t hese trains circulate. Thus, the high speed train link in the Nord-Pas-de-C alais reinforces the attraction of Lille and Arras at the expense of the ot her urban centres of the region.