France-Italy tunnel in the spotlight for safety

An investigation is now being carried out into the safety of the new Col de Tende Road Tunnel project, currently being built.
June 27, 2017 Read time: 1 min

An investigation is now being carried out into the safety of the new Col de Tende Road Tunnel project, currently being built. Concerns have been raised about the strength of the concrete being used in the construction. A number of personnel from firms involved in the project have already been arrested on fraud and theft charges, with police actively investigating several high profile figures.

However an official statement has been released saying that there is no immediate danger with regard to the tunnel’s safety. Costing €280 million in all, the new Col de Tende Road Tunnel is due for completion in 2020. The link will be tolled, with a concession deal paying for the project.

The existing Tende tunnel was constructed in 1882 and is one of the oldest road tunnels in the world. However the 3.2km link can only handle traffic moving in a single direction, which leads to delays for users who often have to queue for up to 20 minutes at a red traffic light. Many drivers opt to take the Mont-Bland or Frejús tunnels instead as a result.

Road Structures

Related Content

  • Success of toll road operators' conference
    July 12, 2012
    The 37th ASECAP Annual Study and Information Days held in Krakow, Poland, gathered some 300 road transport CEOs, experts and government decision-makers making the event "a huge success." Patrick Smith reports Toll road operators from across Europe have met to discuss the state of their businesses in the current economic climate and how to tackle it. Fabrizio Palenzona, the outgoing President of ASECAP (the European professional Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures) and president of AISCAT (
    Read More
  • The Mersey Gateway bridge project continues on schedule
    October 18, 2016
    Work continues on the 2.3km Mersey Gateway signature bridge project close to Liverpool in the UK. David Arminas reports on some of the construction highlights. Under construction is a cable-stayed structure with three towers that will span the Mersey River’s expansive mud flats between the towns of Runcorn and Widnes near Liverpool. Including the approach viaducts on each side, it will be 2.3km long with a river span of 1km. The main bridge deck will be reinforced concrete. The 80m-high central tower will b
    Read More
  • Bitumen technology reduces maintenance costs
    April 12, 2023
    Looming net zero deadlines, and impetus from the private sector are accelerating the take up of carbon-saving technologies
    Read More
  • More challenges for Stonehenge A303 scheme
    August 1, 2023
    National Highways’ Road Investment Strategy for England’s strategic roads has committed to upgrading many the remaining single carriageway sections of the A303.
    Read More

Highlighted Content