From mid-September to December 2026, the Mont Blanc Tunnel—one of the key transport corridors between France and Italy—is introducing a scheduled nighttime closure regime for maintenance work. Unlike previous years, a prolonged multi-month closure of the facility is not planned; however, traffic will be completely suspended in both directions during specified nighttime hours.
Restriction Regulations and Schedule Details
Scheduled works will mainly take place mid-week. These restrictions apply to all categories of vehicles without exception: trucks, passenger buses, minibuses, and cars. During the daytime, the tunnel operates normally.
Main Parameters of Nighttime Closures
- Period of works: September – December 2026
- Days of the week: Monday through Thursday
- Main closure time: From 22:00 to 06:00 (duration — 8 hours)
- Special work sessions: Dedicated technological breaks lasting from 11 to 12 hours
- Exceptions: Public holidays in France, Italy, and Switzerland
- Data source: IRU (International Road Transport Union), TMB operator
Traffic Features from France and Italy
- French portal (Chamonix): Prior to the start of the nighttime closure, an increase in traffic density is recorded as drivers strive to cross the tunnel before 22:00. Carriers should account for potential delays on approach routes.
- Italian portal (Courmayeur): Similar restrictions apply on the Italian side. At night, traffic flows are redirected to bypass routes.
Alternative Bypass Routes
During nighttime closures of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, drivers are offered the following main route options:
- Frejus Tunnel (Modane — Bardonecchia): The main bypass corridor for oversized and freight transport. During the Mont Blanc closure, traffic intensity through Frejus is expected to increase during nighttime hours.
- Great St. Bernard Pass: The route runs through Swiss territory. A Swiss vignette is required for travel, and dimension and weight restrictions apply to vehicles.
- Coastal Route (via Ventimiglia): The coastal detour is longer in distance but avoids complex mountain sections and special restrictions.
Recommendations for Logisticians and Drivers
It is important for international carriers to synchronize their travel schedules with existing weekend and holiday truck driving bans in France. The overlap of Sunday restrictions in France with a Monday night tunnel closure can lead to prolonged downtime (24 hours or more).
The exact calendar of closures for specific dates is regularly updated on the official website of the TMB operator and in the TMB Mobility mobile application.
Source: IRU (International Road Transport Union), TMB operator
See also: