Lyon: M6, M7, Fourvière Tunnel Closed for Several Weekends in May
Lyon, France – The Métropole de Lyon has announced significant traffic disruptions for May 2026, with the M6 and M7 motorways, including the Fourvière Tunnel and Perrache underpasses, scheduled for multiple weekend closures. These closures are part of essential maintenance work and are strategically timed to coincide with public holidays and long weekends to mitigate the impact on commuters.
Strategic Closures to Minimise Disruption
The Métropole de Lyon stated that these maintenance periods are planned when traffic volumes are typically lower, with a 35% reduction on Saturdays and up to 50% on public holidays and Sundays. This approach aims to lessen the inconvenience for users while ensuring critical infrastructure upkeep.
The closures will affect both directions of traffic between the Valvert interchange on the M6 and interchange 1 of the M7. Additionally, the Paris-Marseille direction will be closed between the Pierre-Bénite interchange (A7/A450) and the Saint-Fons interchange (A7/D383). Motorists will be advised to use alternative routes, including the A46 and N346 (Rocade Est), the northern Lyon ring road (D383), or a combination of the A46, A42, and D383.
Maintenance Schedule for May 2026
The detailed schedule for the closures of the Fourvière Tunnel and Perrache underpasses is as follows:
- From Thursday, May 7, at 10 PM, to Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6 AM (or potentially Sunday, May 10, in the afternoon).
- From Wednesday, May 13, at 10 PM, to Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6 AM.
- From Friday, May 22, at 10 PM, to Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6 AM (or potentially Monday, May 25, in the mid-afternoon).
- From Friday, May 29, at 10 PM, to Monday, June 1, 2026, at 6 AM.
Extensive Work Planned for Fourvière Tunnel and Perrache Underpasses
The maintenance work in the Fourvière Tunnel includes the refurbishment of 150 meters of the tunnel lining in the Paris-Marseille direction, which will require an extended period for concrete drying. Furthermore, repairs to the tunnel walls in the same direction and the complete replacement of lighting in both directions are planned.
For the Perrache underpasses, the work involves installing two fire hydrants and a complete overhaul of the water supply system. The demolition of bus station platforms and asphalt will cause significant vibrations in the Lyon Perrache Exchange Centre (CELP) and the underpasses, necessitating these preventive closures.
Additionally, a plane tree located between Quai Perrache and the M7 will be cut down, as it has been deemed a safety hazard for users. The Métropole de Lyon also reminds the public that the crossing of the Rhône via the Vernaison bridge (D36) is prohibited for vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes, and the Givors crossing via the RD386 remains forbidden for vehicles over 19 tonnes.
These comprehensive maintenance efforts are crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of Lyon’s key transport infrastructure. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly during these periods.
