The Mont Blanc tunnel is 11.6 km long and connects France and Italy under the highest peak in Europe. It is used by 5,000 vehicles per day on average, 68% being light vehicles. More than a structure, the Mont Blanc Tunnel is an amazing human and technological feat. In addition to having a major influence on the local economy as a bridge unifying people, it is now a global model for safety. It took six years, from 1959 to 1965, from the start of work to the inauguration of the Tunnel.
5,000 vehicles go through the Mont Blanc tunnel each day, 68% of them being light vehicles.
French-Italian management of the Mont Blanc Tunnel
For unitary work management, operation of the Mont Blanc Tunnel is entrusted to a Franco- Italian entity, the European Economic Interest Grouping of the Mont Blanc Tunnel (GEIE-TMB). This entity was created by the ATMB company (Mont Blanc Motorways and Tunnel) in France, and the SITMB (Italian company for the Mont Blanc tunnel) from Italy, both dealing with the construction and operation of the Tunnel.
Since 2002, the GEIE-TMB has been responsible for all activities related to the operational management of the tunnel and two control centres for heavy goods traffic from Passy-Le Fayet (France) and Aosta (Italy).
The GEIE-Mont Blanc Tunnel has over 250 employees, including 70 firefighters, for the 11.6 km-long tunnel.
It collects tolls, works on safety projects, and provides project management for all the work done on the Tunnel. It is led by a supervisory board of 10 members, appointed jointly by ATMB and SITMB. Its president is alternately appointed by the French and Italian sides. The GEIE-TMB is administered by a steering committee composed of a managing director and two directors nominated by the SITMB and ATMB licensee companies.
An essential role for tourism and the economy
Each year, the Mont Blanc Tunnel welcomes many holiday-makers: who come to enjoy the alpine resorts: up to 8,000 families go through the tunnel on Saturdays in July and August! Tourist vehicles also represent the main customers of the tunnel, accounting for 68% of the traffic. Beyond its key role in tourism for the Chamonix and Aosta valleys, the Tunnel is a vital route for local businesses. 76% of imports and exports from Haute-Savoie companies go through the Tunnel.
Both the Tunnel managers and all its staff view safety as a priority. Thanks to their continued commitment and significant investment, the Tunnel has become an international model of safety.
76% of imports and exports from Haute-Savoie companies go through the Tunnel.