'Operation stack' in place for lorries using the Mont Blanc tunnel

Following an accident involving a wide load, the Frejus tunnel near Lyon shut on Thursday, which led to all trans-alpine traffic being re-routed via the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc tunnel, causing delays.

The gendarmes activated their 'operation stack' which meant stacking the lorries at the checking bays in Le Fayet at the bottom of the valley, but overnight this became full and by 06:00 on Friday morning the lorries were being stacked on the A40.

This meant cars were being diverted off the motorway at Sallanches, to then pass through the town before rejoining the mountain at Le Fayet. This led to some delays for those travelling up the valley and cars wanting to head through the Mont Blanc tunnel.

The Frejus tunnel reopened to cars and buses in the evening of Thursday, but at the time of writing it remains shut to all HGV vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. It's expected to re-open in the evening tomorrow, Sunday 21st December.

In the meantime, be aware that you may be diverted on your way up to Chamonix, but circulation is expected to be back to normal soon.