France: Truck Traffic Ban in the Pas de l’Escalette Tunnel on the A75. Detours Announced

The Prefect of the Hérault department has introduced an immediate ban on heavy goods vehicle traffic in the Pas de l’Escalette tunnel on the A75 motorway. The restriction remains in force until further notice.

The decision was prompted by a power failure that disabled the tunnel’s ventilation and smoke extraction systems. For safety reasons, traffic involving heavy trucks, vehicles transporting hazardous materials, and buses has been completely suspended in both directions.

Two mandatory turning points have been designated for heavy vehicles:
▫️ Northbound (toward Millau) - Exit 52 Lodève Nord (Hérault department)
▫️ Southbound (toward Montpellier) - Exit 42 Sévérac-le-Château (Aveyron department)

Authorities urge all transport operators to strictly comply with the ban and use only the designated detour routes specified in the official traffic management plan. Drivers are also reminded not to use local roads, which are unsuitable for heavy vehicles.