A new temporary road to access the cult French ski resort of La Grave is set to open in time for the ski season, hopefully in less than a fortnight on November 23rd, according to French media reports.
The main road in to the resort was closed at the end of last season after cracks were found in the roof of the tunnel the traffic needs to pass through to reach the famous ski village. The road is also the most direct access to bigger resorts including les 2 Alpes, although they were less severely affected.
With the main road sandwiched between a lake and the steep mountainside, there was no easy alternative access route and supplies had to be helicoptered and brought in by boat through the summer, or via a very long circular route to the north.
The new temporary road has been created on the south side of Lake Chambon, across from the closed RD 1091. It is 5.3km long and has cost €6 million to build. Traffic using it will be limited to vehicles up to 12 tons in weight and less than 8 meters long – which is too light and too short for most buses although minibuses should be OK. Two way traffic should be possible on the road although the speed limit will be 30km/h.
A new tunnel is expected to be completed in time for winter 2016-17 and the tendering process is due to start this month.
