Completing, optimising and adding to the network

The Group's construction programme is now almost complete, with 2,215 km of motorway and tunnels built out of a planned total of 2,279 km. The company contracts require APRR and AREA to complete the extension of their networks and conduct a programme involving lane widening, safety systems (notably in tunnels) and additional investments aimed at improving quality of service. The Group is determined to make optimal use of the extensive experience and expertise acquired in its capacities as client and prime contractor to ensure that this programme is implemented in line with the predefined cost, quality and lead-time objectives.

In 2007, investment in the network amounted to 488,5 million euros, including 24.1 million euros for new construction, 342.5 million euros for network improvements and 98.5 million euros operating assets, of which 36.3 million euros for resurfacing.

Additional investment
The Group invests regularly to maintain and upgrade its network. Initiatives include:

• widening to three lanes
• new interchanges
• extension and renovation of a large number of rest and service areas
• increasing the capacity of toll plazas, parking areas and protecting the environment
• rendering tunnels compliant with new safety standards.

In 2006, the most significant investments were dedicated to rendering tunnels compliant with new safety standards (circular no. 2000-63 of 25 August 2000). Safety works continued in the Maurice-Lemaire tunnel (N 159), with the boring of a safety gallery completed in June 2006 and the upgrading of the existing tunnel. Safety works were also conducted in the second tube of the Épine tunnel on the A43, as was preparatory safety works on the Chatillon and St-Germain tunnels on the A40.

Network developments in 2006

• completion of conversion to 2x3 lanes over 16 kilometres of the Beynost - Pérouges section of the A42
• first phase of conversion to 2x3 lanes over 9 kilometres of the Genay- Mionnay section of the A46
• preparatory works for widening to 2x3 lanes over 98 kilometres of the A31, between Beaune and Langres
• start of works for widening to 2x3 lanes over 19 kilometres of the A36 between Belfort and Montbéliard
• opening of the Villefranche Nord (A6) road interchange in October 2006.
• opening of the first section of the Crolles II interchange (A41 South) in October 2006.