The Closing Of The Italy–France Rail Tunnel To Cause Travel Disruptions

Highway and airport traffic are expected to be very heavy, authorities have warned.

It seems that the important rail link between France and Italy will remain inoperable until at least the summer of 2024. In August of this year, a landslide in the Maurienne Valley caused its closure. Around 10,000 cubic meters of rock fell due to severe rain. It resulted in the temporary closure of the Fréjus tunnel, a vital transportation artery, which remains closed due to ongoing maintenance.

The French government had estimated that the line would reopen in two months, but now says the repairs will take longer.

With the ski season and the Christmas vacations in both European nations, the transalpine line was a vital mode of transportation for visitors. Since the train won't run during the winter, travellers will have to choose between flying and driving.

As a consequence, the local authorities are sounding the alarm about rising carbon emissions from an expected rise in both vehicle traffic and air travel.

François Ravier, a regional director for the French train company SNCF in the area of Savoie, recently informed the press that they hoped to wrap up work by the summer of 2024. However, there is a possibility that services would be disrupted until September.

How has the closing of the rail tunnel between Italy and France affected tourism?

The ongoing closure of the Fréjus rail tunnelling has a significant impact on train services. Freight trains and the high-speed TGV line that normally connects Paris and Milan are also affected.

According to the Transalpine Lyon-Turin railway commission, this will necessitate "long and costly diversions across Switzerland."

"Switch to the vehicle for medium-distance excursions and aircraft for large distances," the committee recommended to travellers, while France has been attempting to cut down on domestic flights.

Paris–Milan is already one of the busiest European aircraft routes, so Spanish budget airline Volotea will be offering more frequent service on the route.

Drivers may anticipate extra traffic on the ring road around Turin and along the route between Maurienne and the Susa Valley.

The closure of the Mont Blanc road tunnel for repairs from October 16th through December 18th may also create delays in the lead-up to the holiday season.

 

Source: euronews.com