© Tour de France
© Isere
Route Changes for Le Tour Due to Landslide Risk
Work delayed on structural problems of the Tunnel du Chambon
The Tunnel du Chambon has been closed since the 10th April because of the risk of a collapsed arch, resulting in the closure of the road that connects Grenoble to Briançon.
With the landslide advancing at 10cm a day there is a risk that it will fall onto the road and tunnel in either late June or early July. To this end the local council have voted to fund the construction of an alternative road on the opposite side of the lake.
The tunnel and road were due to reopen on 20th July, just five days before the peloton of the Tour de France were going to ride through on their way from the Col du Galibier to the stage finish at Alpe d'Huez. It now seems likely that the famed Col du Galibier will not feature in the stage as previously planned. Nothing has been confirmed yet but it is impossible to reach L'Alpe d'Huez from Galibier without taking the blocked road.
Jean-Pierre Barbier, head of the Isère council, told L'Equipe newspaper: "The stage isn't at risk and will still finish at L'Alpe d'Huez, but via which way is not yet clear."
It is thought that work will begin quickly on the new road due to the unusual circumstances and the number of people and businesses affected by the current road closure.
