Rome, 30 August 2023 (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Antonio Tajani stated that his government engages with France to find an effective solution to address the challenge related to Frejus and Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Tajani added that for a quick resolution of this critical problem, he will be visiting France in the upcoming days. He is scheduled to meet with France Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna on Thursday, aiming to swiftly find a solution to the issue.
Tajani further added that the Italian government is committed to addressing the critical transportation issues at the Frejus and Mont Blanc tunnel that connect Italy and France below the western Alps Mountain range.
The Train services between Italy and France were suspended due to a huge landslide on a railway line in the Maurienne valley of the French Alps.
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The Frejus Tunnel, which links France and Italy beneath the Alps, is currently inaccessible for vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes. Drivers in this category are recommended to utilize either the Mont Blanc tunnel or the A8 motorway as alternatives.
If the Frejus tunnel remains inaccessible to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) before the impending closure of the Mont Blanc tunnel, haulage companies are apprehensive about the prospect of their drivers being compelled to undertake extensive, costly, and time-consuming detours.
However, the Mont Blanc tunnel is scheduled to undergo a closure starting on September 4, lasting for more than three months. This decision arises from concerns regarding the economic repercussions of necessary repair and maintenance activities, as well as the potential traffic disturbances along the Italy-France route.”
Furthermore, the upcoming meeting of Tajani with France’s Foreign Minister Catherine in Toledo shows the commitment to finding a collective solution to the challenging situation.
Muhammad Idrees Khan is a contributing author on TDI.
