This Saturday, February 8, traffic to the Alps may be problematic due to the partial reopening of the RN90, closed since a February 1 landslide. Although one uphill lane is set to open, significant delays are expected as 35,000 vehicles are anticipated. Reception centers will provide meals and rest areas for stranded travelers. Additional train services are being implemented to ease congestion, and discussions are underway for a second tunnel to prevent future disruptions.
Traffic Alert for Alpine Vacationers
This Saturday, February 8, vacationers should prepare for potential traffic chaos on the roads leading to the Alps. The RN90, which has been partially closed since a landslide on February 1, is expected to reopen one lane just in time for the weekend, as confirmed by the Savoie prefecture on Wednesday. This news brings a sigh of relief to residents of the Tarentaise valley, who were bracing for long traffic jams and significant delays while heading to ski resorts on the first day of winter vacation for Zone B.
Road Conditions and Safety Measures
Savoie deputy Vincent Rolland announced on Facebook Tuesday evening that the reopening would occur overnight from Friday to Saturday, though officials were unable to confirm this on Wednesday morning. Prefect François Ravier discussed two possible scenarios during a meeting with local authorities: one that permits the reopening of at least one uphill lane, where the landslide took place, and another that anticipates a full return to normal traffic conditions.
Two key uncertainties remain to determine the best course of action, according to Prefect Ravier, as reported by Le Dauphiné Libéré: “the capability to restore the protective screen against falling rocks,” which is the safety net along the road affected by the landslide, and “the impact on the roadway from rock blasting” intended to clear the path. A resolution regarding the second concern is expected by Thursday, with the aim of being fully operational by Friday noon at the latest.
The landslide had obstructed both uphill lanes on the national road connecting Albertville and Moûtiers, forcing the remaining downhill lanes, which are sheltered in a tunnel, to accommodate traffic in both directions. With an anticipated influx of 35,000 vehicles on Saturday, and a maximum capacity of just 1,000 cars per hour, the situation poses a daunting challenge. This route serves as the sole access point to popular ski destinations in the Tarentaise region, including Les 3 Vallées, Tignes, Val d’Isère, La Plagne, Les Arcs, and La Rosière.
Jean-Luc Bloch, mayor of La Plagne and president of the National Association of Mayors of Mountain Resorts, expressed concern, stating, “Some will spend the night on the road; they will face over 10 to 15 hours of traffic jams.” Last weekend, 1,500 individuals caught off guard by the landslide had to be provided shelter in reception centers for meals and overnight stays. Even with the reopening of one lane, significant delays are expected.
To assist motorists during this busy time, reception centers will once again be established to offer meals and rest areas before they continue their journey. These centers will be located in Albertville, as mentioned by the prefect, who is coordinating this effort with city services and the Red Cross.
Officials are urging travelers to arrive as early as possible on Saturday, ideally before 10 a.m. To help ease congestion, certain exits will be closed, and the prefecture is considering “other complementary measures to alleviate traffic flow,” including potential detours, though details are still being finalized.
Tourist Forecast and Transportation Solutions
Mountain professionals are facing challenges with the timing of this blockage, as between 250,000 and 300,000 tourists are expected in the Tarentaise resorts during this first week of vacation. Jean-Luc Bloch emphasized, “February represents 30% of the annual turnover: missing the winter holidays can jeopardize the entire year.” Fortunately, resorts have reported minimal cancellations, but concerns about access remain high.
Other than the reopening of blocked lanes, no immediate solutions are available. “With the two uphill lanes blocked, the only option is to funnel traffic through the tunnel in both directions,” Jean-Luc Bloch explained earlier this week. The president of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Fabrice Pannekoucke, suggested the installation of a “protective screen” to allow one uphill lane to reopen and ease tunnel traffic. Fortunately, geological experts have worked diligently to stabilize the ground and have successfully reopened the road, at least partially, within a week, as commended by the prefect.
To alleviate pressure on the national road, train transportation is being enhanced. The region has coordinated with SNCF to add additional TER trains between Chambéry and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which includes stops at Albertville and Moûtiers. This includes one round trip added on Friday evening and two more on Saturday, along with 900 extra seats on already scheduled trains for the weekend.
Additionally, SNCF has arranged for a TGV train to operate a daily round trip between Paris and Bourg-Saint-Maurice throughout the four weeks of winter vacation. This initiative provides an extra thousand seats each day in both directions, a significant logistical achievement, as noted by Alain Krakovitch, the director of TGV and Intercités.
To prevent future landslides from isolating the valley, there are calls for the construction of a second tunnel for the uphill lanes of the RN90. “I remain committed to this project,” pledged Savoie deputy Vincent Rolland in a Facebook video, vowing to address the issue in the National Assembly with Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot.