Since November 15, a winter system coordinated by Vinci Autoroutes has been deployed to secure the department's 192 kilometers of highways. Between reinforced meteorological monitoring, salt storage and mobilization of teams, human and technical resources are committed to dealing with climatic hazards until March 2025.
Vinci Autoroutes has implemented its winter service plan. – © Angers.Villactu.fr
The first snowfalls and frost reminded us of the approach of winter in Maine-et-Loire. Since November 15, Vinci Autoroutes, manager of the A11, A85 and A87 axes in the department, has implemented its winter service plan.
This system will continue until March 15, 2025, mobilizing human and technical resources to limit the impacts of bad weather on the 192 kilometers of motorways concerned.
Increased monitoring of winter risks
To respond to climatic hazards, Vinci Autoroutes relies on 23 weather stations located on its network in Maine-et-Loire. These stations collect real-time data on air and ground temperatures, humidity and wind speed.
« This information is cross-referenced with Météo France forecasts, allowing anticipation of interventions. ».
The most vulnerable areas, such as the viaducts or the Angers-Avrillé covered trench, are closely monitored. Operations are coordinated from the center of Saint-Jean-de-Linières, where 22 supervisors ensure the security of the infrastructure, assisted by 54 video surveillance cameras.
Six operations centers spread across the department concentrate the resources necessary to face winter. Around 1,900 tonnes of salt are stored there, ready to be used as needed: “ Salting and snow removal operations are carried out by 39 equipped trucks, which operate on average on 35 kilometers of track per hour », Explains Myriam Grougi, deputy to the Anjou Atlantique district manager of the Cofiroute network.
In addition to solid salt, trucks also use brine: “ It is a mixture of salt and water which allows rapid action and better grip on the roads. », Describes David Baudusseau, patroller on the network.
54 surveillance cameras monitor the department's 192 kilometers of highways. – © Angers.Villactu.fr
Long-term logistics
The implementation of the winter plan is the result of several months of preparation. In 2024, around 450 hours of training were organized for the agents in charge of these operations, including practical sessions within the Highway Trades School.
« This system will remain active until next spring, in response to the risks of snow and ice, in order to guarantee traffic as safely as possible on the department's highways. », adds Myriam Grougi.
The winter system mobilizes 160 Vinci Autoroutes agents in Maine-et-Loire, but it can be reinforced by local public works companies, such as Colas or TPPL, during significant snow events.
During salting and snow removal operations, Vinci Autoroutes agents would like to point out that overtaking vehicles in action is prohibited: “ This respect for the rules is crucial to avoid accidents, both for motorists and for agents in the field, because on average, an intervention van is hit every week on the national network. »
By Eline Vion.
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