Pierre ZERBI: "Behind the scenes of the construction site, human-scale field journeys"

Among them, Pierre Zerbi, operations manager, who coordinated a succession of complex technical phases for five years. But beyond his expertise, it is a deeply human adventure that he recounts. He answers questions from La Gazette du Var.

You were involved from the very beginning of the project. What was your role? Pierre ZERBI.

I arrived in the summer of 2020, even before the main works started. I took charge of the preparatory works: building demolitions, diversion of water, electricity, and gas networks... everything that made it possible to clear and secure the site so that NGE could then intervene.

Then I moved on to other tasks, notably the lanes parallel to the highway and, from 2023, I planned the night works and signage until delivery. This type of coordination requires a real team effort... PZ.

Absolutely. We had weekly meetings every Tuesday, and daily exchanges with NGE to adjust the schedule. At night, we closed roads, mobilized signage, informed the prefecture, emergency services, and the press.

The success was this tight organization... but above all, this human cohesion. Exactly how did you experience the human aspect of this mission?

PZ.

I never felt a heavy burden. And in 25 years of highways, that is rare. There was mutual aid, a sincere solidarity.

We would unwind together, organize breakfasts between colleagues, and everyone brought regional specialties. I even took up sports again in Toulon. We ran between noon and two, sometimes even at daybreak.

Did this atmosphere have an impact on your well-being? PZ.

Yes. I have a rather stressed nature, I always wanted to make sure everything was running smoothly. But the climate of trust established by our directors, Salvador Nunez and Michel Castet, allowed me to move forward with peace of mind.

They bore the overall pressure, which left us with autonomy and focus on the ground. How did those close to you experience these years? PZ.

My daughters followed the construction site. They showed me the progress from the car, they were proud. And they got to know my colleagues during jogs or organized outings. This construction site became a common topic at home. We spoke of colleagues like close friends. A memorable moment from this adventure?

PZ.

The simplicity of daily life, exactly. Anecdotes about a sausage slicer shared in the break room, or a nickname that keeps coming back... Those are the things that stay. The construction site was more than a job. It was a real slice of life. What personal lesson do you draw from it?

PZ.

That nothing works without trust and team spirit. There was no ego, everyone did their role without trying to show off. We supported each other. That's what allowed us to get through tensions, unforeseen events, and to reach the finish line together. A final word?

PZ.

I had fun. I learned. And above all, I experienced something powerful. Every time I take this highway, I will think of these years with a smile.