A key mountain pass in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, closed due to severe weather in December 2023, is due to reopen this summer following €6 million of repair works.
The Départementale 908 (D908), which connects the Haut-Verdon area with the Ubaye valley via the Col d’Allos (from Colmars to Barcelonnette), was severely affected by landslides on December 1, 2023.
The 30km route represents a key artery for residents and tourists, particularly in summer, when up to 700 vehicles use it every day.
The alternative route between Colmars and Barcelonnette is 150km.
Department president Eliane Barreille told French media that reopening the route was a priority.
“This was something I committed to from the outset when meeting with local elected officials,” she told BFMTV. “The aim is to open as soon as possible”.
€6 million of repairs
The complex task of repairing the isolated road will cost €6 million and involve stabilising the land in ten areas identified as at-risk of landslides, covering a total of around ten hectares.
The damage is spread along one kilometre of the road.
The first wave of repairs will start on four of these areas, officials have confirmed.
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One particularly unstable zone requires further geological study and will not be addressed by the current repairs.
Monitoring equipment has also been installed to measure any future ground movement.
Limited reopening ‘before July’
The road is expected to reopen before July 1, albeit initially only to vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.
Traffic may also be managed by alternating flows during peak summer periods, depending on the progress of the stabilisation work.
The pass will close again in autumn.
Ms Barreille also acknowledged the long wait residents in the Val d’Allos have faced, with the road closed for more than 15 months.
Businesses that have been impacted by the closure can claim compensation, however, Ms Bareille says the department has so far received “very few applications”.
