Tunnel du Mont-Blanc is an Engineering Marvel Connecting France and Italy in the Alps
The Tunnel du Mont-Blanc, located on the French-Italian border within the Alps, is one of the most significant engineering feats of the 20th century. The tunnel runs beneath Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe.
How long is Tunnel du Mont-Blanc?
Opened on July 19, 1965, the tunnel stretches 11.611 km (7.215 mi), linking Chamonix in France (Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region) to Courmayeur in Italy (Aosta Valley). Also known as Tunnel du Mont-Blanc in French and Traforo del Monte Bianco in Italian, it is one of the longest vehicular tunnels in the world and forms part of the European Route E25, a major north-south transport route.
How to drive the Tunnel du Mont-Blanc?
The tunnel is fully paved, but it can be challenging for those with claustrophobia due to its enclosed nature. It measures 8.6 meters (28 feet) in width and 4.35 meters (14.3 feet) in height. A toll is required to use the tunnel. Speed limits range from a minimum of 50 km/h to a maximum of 70 km/h. It is a single-bore tunnel with two-way traffic, meaning vehicles travel in both directions within the same tunnel. The elevation of the tunnel varies, from 1,274 meters on the French side to 1,381 meters on the Italian side, with the highest point being 1,395.5 meters at its midpoint.
How safe is Tunnel du Mont-Blanc?
The tunnel has a tragic history. On March 24, 1999, a fire broke out inside the tunnel, started by a truck carrying flour and margarine. The fire burned for over two days, resulting in the deaths of 39 people and significant damage. After extensive renovations and improved safety measures, including enhanced ventilation, fire suppression systems, and emergency shelters, the tunnel reopened in 2002. Today, it is one of the most secure tunnels in Europe.