Mont Blanc Tunnel Closes for 15-Weeks
4th September 2024
Last modified on September 8th, 2024
The alpine tunnel linking France and Italy needs urgent repairs, but is scheduled to be open for the start of the ski season.
The tunnel, built in 1965, is seven miles long and is a major route between north and south Europe as it links France and Italy.
The skis areas of Chamomix in France and Courmayeur in Italy sit at either end.
At the time of its construction it was twice as long as any existing road tunnel.
The 60-year old tunnel now requires what is called ‘deep renovation works’.
The work involves the complete reconstruction of two portions of the tunnel vault of 300m each.
It is one of the first major European tunnels to undertake deep renovation works on its structure.
Mont Blanc tunnel. Image © PlanetSKI
The tunnel has a single road with traffic passing in each direction.
Mont Blanc Tunnel. Image © PlanetSKI
The tunnel passes almost exactly under the summit of the Aiguille du Midi above Chamonix and at this point it is 2,480m beneath the earth’s surface.
Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix. Image © PlanetSKI
Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, France. Image © PlanetSKI
There are two alternative road routes while the tunnel is shut:
The Grand Saint Bernard tunnel to the north-east links Switzerland with Italy and adds 50 miles to the journey.
It involves a more challenging drive and is more exposed to the weather and the elements.
Grand St Bernard route into Italy. Mont Blanc Tunnel. Image © PlanetSKI
The Frejus tunnel to the south-west links France to Italy and increases the distance by around 100 miles.
Meanwhile another alpine tunnel has just re-opened.
The Gotthard Base tunnel that links Switzerland to Italy is now back to full operation.
The 35-mile tunnel is the longest and deepest rail tunnel in the world and at one point it is more than 8,000 feet underground.
The Gotthard Base tunnel opened to rail traffic in 2016, but in August 2023 a freight train derailed.
The twin-tube tunnel was completely shut, but later partially reopened with a single tunnel in use.
It is now fully operational.
We reported on the planned opening earlier on PlanetSKI:
Here at PlanetSKI we’ll keep you posted on the progress of work on the Mont Blanc tunnel ahead of the coming ski season.
