Major Highway Tunnel Closed for 15 Weeks: Alternative Routes Available

Significant Disruptions for Travelers to France

A challenging period has begun for drivers and freight carriers traveling to and from France.
Since September 2nd and for the next 15 weeks, the Mont Blanc tunnel, a crucial motorway link connecting Courmayeur in Italy’s Aosta Valley to Chamonix in France’s Haute-Savoie department, will be closed to traffic.

This closure is necessary for maintenance on this vital infrastructure, which was inaugurated 60 years ago and requires significant upgrades.
The complete shutdown will last for at least three months, extending until December 16th, although it’s possible that it may take longer.

Long-term Maintenance Plans

The 11.6-kilometer tunnel will undergo extensive maintenance and improvement efforts over the next 18 years, including planned annual closures.
However, future closures will not necessarily be total or of long duration.
Earlier this spring, there were night closures, but now the situation demands a complete shutdown as work will focus on two separate 300-meter sections in a pilot project.

This testing phase is expected to last through 2024 and 2025 to determine the most efficient operational methods moving forward.
The total investment for this project amounts to €50 million.

Daily Traffic Impact

On average, the Mont Blanc tunnel is used by around 5,000 vehicles daily, peaking at 9,400 during the summer months of July and August.
This significant disruption will undoubtedly affect motorists, especially transport operators.
Thus, alternatives must be explored.

Alternative Routes and Their Challenges

While several alternative routes are available, they also face challenges.
For instance, the Turin-Lyon railway line is currently closed due to a landslide, with reopening delayed until spring 2025.
The Alpine Motorway (Afa), which allows for 150 trucks to be loaded onto trains each day, has been inactive for over a year.

The only reliable alternative is the Frejus Motorway, which connects Bardonecchia to Modane in France.
However, this route already accommodates approximately 2,000 vehicles daily, risking an overwhelming increase in traffic.
Additionally, the opening of the second Frejus motorway tunnel has been postponed due to necessary testing.

Additional Alpine Pass Options

Other alternatives include:

• Col du Petit San Bernard: An alpine pass linking La Thuile Valley (Aosta) with Val d’Isère (Tarentaise).
• Col des Montets: A French alpine pass between Chamonix and Martigny in Valais.
• Gran San Bernardo tunnel: A 5,798-meter tunnel connecting the Aosta Valley with the Swiss canton of Valais.

To sum up, the upcoming months will be challenging for many motorists and freight carriers crossing into France via the Mont Blanc tunnel.
Longer travel times, traffic congestion, and other inconveniences will become commonplace.

For more details, read about the world’s longest underground tunnel near Italy, which cost €11 billion.