The iconic Mont Blanc Tunnel, a vital passage between France and Italy, will undergo extensive renovations throughout 2024, causing disruptions for travelers. The world’s second deepest tunnel, spanning 2,480 meters beneath the Aiguille du Midi summit, will experience several closures necessitating alternative travel plans.
Alternative Routes and Strategies
Fréjus Tunnel:
Located approximately 160 km south of the Mont-Blanc Tunnel, the Fréjus Tunnel connects Modane in France to Bardonecchia in Italy. It offers a slightly cheaper alternative, with a one-way toll for cars at €47 and a return at €57. Heavy goods vehicles will be diverted to this tunnel during the Mont-Blanc closure. Toll payment subscriptions, such as the TMB card and Eurotoll, are accepted at both tunnels. Additionally, multi-journey discount passes valid during the Mont-Blanc Tunnel closure will be extended by four months.
Tunnel du Grand-Saint-Bernard:
This tunnel links Martigny in Valais, Switzerland, with Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses in Italy’s Aosta Valley. The one-way toll for cars is €31, providing another viable alternative route during the closure.
Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard:
For those traveling further southwest, the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard is a mountain pass connecting Savoie in France with Aosta Valley. However, due to the potential for heavy snow, travelers are advised to check weather conditions before planning their journey.
Col des Montets and Tunnel des Montets:
To the north, the Col des Montets mountain pass links Chamonix with Vallorcine in France, near the border with Valais. This pass could also face snow-related closures. The nearby Tunnel des Montets, a single-track railway tunnel that can also serve as a road, may be used when the pass is closed. However, it is likely to experience heavy traffic during these times.
Mont Cenis Pass:
The scenic Mont Cenis Pass, between the Cottian Alps in France and the Graian Alps in Italy, remains open to traffic until November, when it typically closes for the winter season.
Montgenèvre Pass:
Further south, the Montgenèvre Pass connects Briançon in France and Cesana Torinese in Italy. This route remains open and is another option for road travel during the Mont-Blanc Tunnel closure.
Future Renovation Work
The Mont-Blanc Tunnel will undergo structural renovation work on the vault starting this autumn. From 5 pm on September 2nd to 5 pm on December 16th, various reconstruction technologies will be tested on two 300-meter sections of the tunnel.
The most effective techniques will be applied to an additional 600-meter section during another closure in 2025, with further works planned in the coming years. Travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest information regarding tunnel closures and alternative routes by consulting official government and transportation websites.
