Alpine Roads Modernized: La Marionnaise Works Completed, Progress in Vallée de l’Avance

Significant road construction projects in the Hautes-Alpes, including the inauguration of the La Marionnaise tunnel, are preparing the region for the 2030 Olympic Games.

Generic image of a mountain tunnel entrance in the Southern Alps, featuring a modern road and a blue sky.
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Generic image of a mountain tunnel entrance in the Southern Alps, featuring a modern road and a blue sky.

After two and a half years of work, the La Marionnaise project is finished, marking a key step in modernizing the Hautes-Alpes road network in preparation for the 2030 Olympic Games.

The La Marionnaise construction, located on the RD 1091 connecting Briançon to Grenoble, concluded this year with the inauguration of the new structure on July 2nd. The former semi-open gallery is now a fully enclosed tunnel, measuring 490 meters after a 100-meter extension to better protect users from avalanche and snowdrift zones. This modernization, costing 24 million euros, also includes a cycle lane and updated safety features.
Concurrently, significant work is underway in the Vallée de l’Avance on the RD 942. Started in autumn 2025, this project aims to create three roundabouts to secure intersections and improve traffic flow to ski resorts and the A 51 motorway. The first roundabout, near the farmers' market in Jarjayes, has been operational since June. The second, at the exit of Lettret, is expected to be completed in 2027. The third, in Montgardin, whose project management was recently taken over by the Department, will see its works begin in 2028 after further studies.
These developments are part of a modernization plan for the Hautes-Alpes road network, allocated one hundred million euros, to prepare for hosting the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition to La Marionnaise, several structures on the RD 1091, such as the Maurian and Roche Noire bridges, will be renovated and secured. The RD 942 will be entirely redeveloped with the creation of lay-bys, overtaking lanes, rest areas, and variable message signs.
Improvements are also planned on the RD 1075, including an overtaking lane near Aspremont and the securing of an SNCF level crossing. The State is also involved in the RN 94 to upgrade the crossing of La Roche-de-Rame and develop the northern section of the Gap ring road.
Based on information from the official source: Département des Hautes-Alpes (14/10/2026)