Mont Blanc tunnel closed 'for several days' after landslide

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2007

LYON, France (AFP) — The Mont-Blanc tunnel between France and Italy was closed to traffic mid-morning Saturday after a major landslide close to the French entrance, tunnel authorities said.

Nobody was hurt in the landslide which was around three kilometres (two miles) from the entrance to the tunnel on the french side. It was believed to have been triggered by recent heavy rains in the region, but an official said the road would remain closed for several days.

The official of the tunnel operating company said trees would have to be cleared, ground stabilised and protective walls replaced.

"It's a major landslide of several dozen cubic metres of mud and rock, which has blocked the road completely on the access ramp to the tunnel on the French side," an...