Eight meters of excavation, seven months of work, 8 million euros… An extraordinary project on the A344 motorway in Reims

Already quick to rail against traffic made difficult by several major construction sites, motorists in Reims (Marne) are preparing to experience new disruptions. Since Monday May 18, two motorway ramps allowing you to leave and take the A344, at the “Reims – Saint-Remi” interchange, have been closed for seven months. Two axes on which nearly 12,000 vehicles circulate every day.

Sanef, the concession company for the motorways in the North and East of France, is going to undertake a major project under this motorway interchange, built in 1976. “An underground hydraulic structure allows the Rouillat, a small stream, to flow on either side of the motorway, which was built above it”, explains Xavier Hardy, head of the works department at the Sanef construction department.

After an inspection campaign carried out several years ago, the company noted that the structure was degraded and had cracks in certain places. A protocol was submitted to the State, owner of the highway, in consultation with the city of Reims.

Subject to weather hazards

It was finally decided to launch this heavy and costly work program, estimated at 8 million euros. Although the structure is in good condition under the main roadway, it is seriously damaged at the two entrance and exit ramps, where the embankment is the most important. Which will require a spectacular excavation.

“The only solution is to dig 8 m deep, create a temporary structure to divert the watercourse, demolish the current structure then rebuild a new one,” explains Xavier Hardy. This is why the work will take so long. »

Seven months, if everything goes as planned. “We remain subject to geological and meteorological hazards. The main risk would be very rainy weather, likely to cause water tables to rise. But the risk of delay remains measured,” confides the head of Sanef. The delays will undoubtedly affect Reims motorists in the coming weeks.