The Mont Blanc Tunnel is a single-tube, two-way tunnel measuring 11.6 km in length, which connects France and Italy in around ten minutes. It was inaugurated in 1965 and features 37 secure, pressurized shelters. 

As leader of the consortium appointed by GEIE-TMB to design and build the new tunnel ventilation system, Eiffage Énergie Systèmes has developed gas pedal fans that will only be used when the tunnel needs clearing of smoke. This device improves smoke extraction through hatches located in the tunnel vault, then sends the smoke into the stale air ducts located under the roadway, where it is expelled to the outside. 

"Before deploying the gas pedals in series, we built a prototype with Howden, in order to demonstrate the future device's reliability. Replacing the fan-accelerators is an essential component of the fire-safety system, enabling smoke stratification to be maintained to facilitate evacuation of users via safe shelters located at approximately 300 m intervals," explained VES project manager Guillaume Planchenault.  

The consortium managed to design, manufacture and install 76 gas pedals with a very high level of performance (30% increase thanks to the solution provided), almost 10 months ahead of schedule. After completing the Verification of Regular Service (VSR) followed by handover, our specialists will carry out two years of preventive and corrective maintenance in compliance with the terms of the warranty. Eiffage Energie Systèmes' contractual obligations also include the transfer of skills by training the operator on the new facilities.