Eiffage Énergie Systèmes replaces light sources in Mont-Blanc Tunnel

As part of this relamping contract, our electricians must remove each light fixture and wash it according to an established process, before being able to replace it under the tunnel vault after exchanging the light sources. This systematic changing of the light sources comes with the replacement of electrical and electronic equipment on each lighting board. Waste disposal (used light sources, washing water, etc.) is also part of their prerogatives.  

On this project, our employees are trying out assistive arm exoskeletons which aim to relieve shoulder and arm muscles and joints with constant movement assistance - invaluable for repetitive tasks.  

Our teams will have to replace a total of 7301 light sources, taking all areas into account (linear tunnel sections, garages, galleries, reinforcements, and portal platform). These include 4,656 36-W fluorescent tubes and 2,645 high-pressure sodium lamps (2,321 100-W, 168 250-W, and 156 400-W lamps). They must also supply a stock of troubleshooting equipment corresponding to 5% of the number of lamps fitted, bringing the total quantity of light sources to 7666 units.   

Mont-Blanc Tunnel was opened to traffic on 19 July 1965. This two-way tunnel has linked France and Italy for nearly 55 years, covering 11.6 km under the mountain. The tunnel vault is 5.98 metres high and equipped with rails, enabling our employees to reach the different light fixtures. The operations are taking place only at night (between 22.30 and 5.30 in the morning) and require the total suspension of road traffic. And our teams have a total of 37 nights to carry through their assignment ! 

Photo credits : ©Eiffage Énergie Systèmes