Alps face major changes as tunnel closes and new route opens

The Mont Blanc road tunnel, a crucial link between France and Italy, closed on September 2 for deep renovation works, marking its first major structural update in 60 years. This closure will last for 15 weeks, with the tunnel expected to reopen on December 16, just before the ski season begins. The renovation involves reconstructing two sections of the tunnel vault, each 300 meters long, to enhance safety and longevity. During this period, motorists will face significant diversions, with the Frejus tunnel adding approximately 100 miles to the journey between Geneva and Milan, while the Grand-Saint-Bernard tunnel increases the distance by 50 miles but presents a more challenging drive. These detours highlight the impact of the Mont Blanc tunnel's closure on trans-Alpine travel. In contrast, the Gotthard Base rail tunnel in Switzerland has fully reopened after a year of partial closure due to a freight train derailment in August 2023. This 35-mile tunnel, the longest and deepest rail tunnel globally, significantly reduces travel time for train passengers, cutting journeys from Zurich to Como and further into Italy by an hour. The reopening of the Gotthard Base tunnel offers a more efficient alternative for rail travelers, with EuroCity trains now completing the journey from Zurich to Chiasso in just over two hours. This development underscores the evolving transport landscape in the Alps, as infrastructure improvements aim to meet the growing demands of both road and rail travel.