After more than a decade of disruptions, the Tende tunnel has finally reopened, reconnecting the Roya Valley with Italy after twelve long years. This crucial 3.2-kilometre passage serves around 8,000 residents and has been a vital route linking the valley to Italy’s Piedmont region.
The reopening, although partial, marks a significant milestone in a complex and challenging project that began in 2014 under Italian management. Initially slated to finish in 2017, the construction faced numerous obstacles, including the theft of 200 tonnes of materials in 2017 and severe storm damage in 2020. These setbacks delayed progress and increased costs, which have now risen to €255 million.
For the past eleven years, locals and commuters had to endure lengthy detours through Nice or Savona, turning what was once a quick 10-minute trip into a multi-hour journey. Before the closure, the tunnel handled roughly 1.2 million vehicles annually, a mix of cross-border workers and tourists, highlighting its importance for daily life and regional tourism.
Currently, the tunnel operates on a limited schedule: weekdays see access during early mornings, midday, and evenings, while weekends offer round-the-clock use. These restrictions allow ongoing overnight work to continue. Looking ahead, an intergovernmental meeting in mid-July aims to decide on extending the tunnel’s operating hours.
Meanwhile, to celebrate the summer and support local tourism, the Roya Valley will host eight historic train journeys along the Ventimiglia-Tende railway starting July 6th. This initiative, funded by the European Vermenagna-Roya III project, aims to offset the suspension of the famous Train des Merveilles between Nice and Breil-sur-Roya.
Though the reopening breathes new life into the region, full restoration and two-way traffic are expected only by 2027, when the old tunnel undergoes complete renovation. Until then, the Tende tunnel remains a symbol of resilience and renewed connection between France and Italy.