MONT-BLANC and FREJUS TUNNELS

In the light of the catastrophic events which occurred under the Mont-Blanc tunnel, I think and say that if the traffic were on one way, there should have been no victims provider that the burning vehicles could be over passed if the left lane be free.

     On September 13  2001, during the TV Mont-Blanc broadcast, concerning that event and generally speaking transport, I mentioned that in-case of frontal accident ( cars, buses, trucks) I was afraid that so many victims would occur in- case of fire. I did not know, at that time, that a short time a later, an accident was going to happen under the Saint-Gothard, in Switzerland (that tunnel can be compared to the Frejus in terms of equipment). That is why I reiterate – it’s my personal opinion – that the one way route and not an alternate is preferable for the Mont-Blanc and the Frejus.

Additionally, it is mandatory that every trucks of more than 19 tons payload is equipped with hydraulic retarder. This is actually optional among all the trucks constructers ( one of them is going to equip accordingly all their new vehicles shortly). That type of device will help to maintain the classical brake system operational in case or urgent need.

The access to Italy via the Frejus : to avoid a too important overheating for engines as the climbing percentage is lower than to the Mont-Blanc ( even if that is not the main reason for fire but an agraving reason, in fact, the main reason for engines burning up is injectors hose breakage).

Return from Italy via the Mont-Blanc : in order to reduce pollution as the Chamonix valley is less ventilated than the Maurienne. The retarders starts automatically the engine brake effect as well as it stops the fuel injection. As a result, zero combustion, zero pollution all along the way down. The itinerary via the ancient road of the Egratz would be devoted to the trucks and the local traffic on one way. Cars and trucks traffic to Chamonix should use the Egratz viaduc ( both ways ).

     Reducing the accidental risks and pollution, the Frejus / Mont-Blanc traffic would be automatically and equitably balanced. 

ONE LIFE SAVED WORTH KILOMETERS OVER COST

                                                                      Maurice MEGEVAND

                                                                                                 January and December 2002