Both tunnels are critical points on the Alpine transport corridor. Rising tolls combined with an intensive maintenance programme – including night-time closures and periods of alternating one-way traffic – mean that transport companies will need to plan more carefully and further ahead.
From 2026, tolls for crossing both the Mont Blanc and Fréjus tunnels will increase by 1.19%. The adjustment reflects the average inflation rate recorded in Italy and France and applies to all vehicle categories.
The tunnel operators have already published updated toll tables by vehicle class, which form the basis for calculating crossing costs on cross-border routes. For hauliers, this means factoring higher tolls into their 2026 budgets, particularly for regular Alpine crossings.
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Fréjus Tunnel: maintenance works, night closures and full shutdown
The opening of the second tube of the Fréjus Tunnel allows many maintenance works to be carried out without introducing alternating one-way traffic. However, this does not mean uninterrupted availability. Numerous short night-time closures linked to technical works are scheduled for January 2026.
Closures towards Italy:
- 12 January: 22:30–23:15
- 13–16 January: daily 04:30–05:15 and 22:30–23:15
- 17 January: 04:30–05:15
- 26 January: 22:30–23:15
- 27–30 January: daily 04:30–05:15 and 22:30–23:15
- 31 January: 04:30–05:15
Closures towards France:
- 19 January: 21:30–22:15
- 20–23 January: 05:30–06:15 and 21:30–22:15
- 24 January: 05:30–06:15
Full closure of the Fréjus Tunnel:
Due to the installation of a new version of the monitoring system, the tunnel will be completely closed from Saturday 24 January at 22:00 until Sunday 25 January at 06:00. During this period, no traffic will be permitted in either direction, for passenger vehicles or trucks.
Mont Blanc Tunnel: night closures and alternating one-way traffic
A similarly demanding schedule will apply at the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Between January and April 2026, 12 nights of full closure and nine nights with alternating one-way traffic (single-lane, alternating direction) are planned.
Full closures of the Mont Blanc Tunnel:
- 12–13 January: 22:00–06:00
- 9–10 February: 22:00–06:00
- 19–20 February: 23:00–04:00
- 9–10 March: 19:00–06:00
- 13–14 April: 22:00–06:00
- 14–15 April: 22:00–06:00
- 15–16 April: 22:00–06:00
- 16–17 April: 22:00–06:00
- 20–21 April: 22:00–06:00
- 21–22 April: 22:00–06:00
- 22–23 April: 22:00–06:00
- 23–24 April: 22:00–06:00
Alternating one-way traffic (22:30–06:00):
- January: 13–14, 14–15, 15–16
- February: 10–11, 11–12, 12–13
- March: 10–11, 11–12, 12–13
During periods of alternating one-way traffic, the tunnel will be open in one direction at a time only, which may lead to queues and extended waiting times.
Implications for hauliers and logistics operators
The combination of higher tolls, frequent night-time closures and periods of alternating one-way traffic indicates that 2026 will require particularly precise planning for Alpine transit. These measures may affect journey times, driver shift planning and operating costs.
For hauliers and drivers, closely monitoring announcements from tunnel operators and maintaining flexibility in route planning will be essential to avoid unplanned delays and losses on one of the most important transport links between Italy and France.
