Since last August, a major project has been underway in the village after studies were carried out. A single objective, to protect homes from possible falling blocks.
It is several meters above the ground, in the town of Lettret not far from Tallard (Hautes-Alpes), that six rope access technicians coordinate to install different structures.
Since last August, a major project to secure the cliff has been underway in the village after studies were carried out. This Tuesday, November 26, protective measures are transported using a crane.
“We are installing protective structures. We have a block guard. We are also installing a deflector structure which will allow us to swallow the blocks that will fall from the cliff. There is also a plated fence to protect the slope under the screen”, indicates Titouan Mondet, the person responsible for securing the cliff in Lettret.
The latter adds: “it's a fairly technical site. We have complex access since the dead end is very narrow at the foot of the site and we are under a high voltage line.”
“Ensuring public safety”
A meticulous and precise balancing act organized in the heart of the small village of Lettret. On site, everything was studied in advance by the teams. “For example, we position a post. The specificity is that it is only held by the upstream and downstream stays. There is no fixing of the post in the ground at the base. It is only held by the cables in mind” adds the person responsible for security work.
This colossal project is seen as essential by the municipality given the risk of falling blocks.
“The risk was medium. There was concern from the population but especially from the mayor. If the risk occurs, we are really talking about human lives. They could have been threatened. If there is really a priority in the life of a mayor, it’s good to ensure public safety,” confides village councilor Remy Oddou.
A security perimeter in place
Within the village, a security perimeter was installed while the cliff was secured. Traffic on the waterfall path is, for example, prohibited from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This work should be completed within a few weeks. Their amount is estimated for the village at more than 200,000 euros, subsidized at 80%. Note that the cost of the work is also similar for the commune of Châteauvieux. The two municipalities agreed to share the costs equally.
In detail, an 80 meter long block screen, a 30 meter long and 20 meter high deflector structure and a 1,800 square meter hanging fence were installed to secure the Lettret cliff.
