29/10/2001

Mont Blanc Tunnel information.

Mont Blanc Tunnel

Please note that MBL in no way affiliated with the Mont Blanc tunnel, please don't contact us looking for information on tunnel opening etc.

More info on the Mont Blanc Tunnel:
* site for new management of tunnel - GEIE du TMB
* ATMB - official site with info on the tunnel's construction and safety procedures.
* Association Pour le Respect du Site du Mont-Blanc - French site about the area.

 

Inside the Mont Blanc tunnel

courtesy of BBC news

The inquiry into the devastating fire in 1999 led to a radical reassessment of safety needs in the Mont Blanc tunnel.

Among other measures, the tunnel has now had fire-resistant sheeting fitted to its walls. More traffic lights and flashing warning signs have been added.

Concrete-lined emergency shelters - 37 in total - have been built at intervals of 300 metres.

Each is pressurised and fitted with fireproof doors and a video link to one of three command posts.

A total of 116 smoke extractors - one every 100 metres have been fitted - while 76 new fresh air vents have been created.

Heat sensors at both ends of the tunnel to detect overheated trucks before they enter the tunnel.

And 120 video cameras will monitor traffic at all times.

The tunnel now has three command posts. The main one is located on the French side, with a back-up centre at the Italian end.

A central command post will be manned round the clock by a fire fighting team.