After the violent floods of October 17 and 18, the Loire departmental road network continues to heal its wounds. While the first figures estimate the damage at around 10 million euros, the Department announces the reopening of the RD503, between Lupé and Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf, this Thursday, December 19 at 10 a.m. An important step to re-establish links between Pilat and the Rhône valley, even if many routes still remain inaccessible.
An emergency project to reconnect the municipalities of Pilat
The Pilat roads, particularly affected by the floods, were at the heart of the emergency work undertaken by the Department. Among them, the RD503 was one of the priorities. The roadway, seriously damaged on two sections – at a place called La Vauvignière and east of Malleval – required significant efforts:
• Reconstruction of shoulders by teams from the Pélussin departmental roads operations center.
• Earthworks and reconstruction of the roadway and embankmentsentrusted to the Montagnier company, based locally in Pélussin.
This work, representing a cost of €300,000, will make it possible to re-establish a more direct and secure connection between the municipalities of Pilat and the Rhône valley.
Axes still closed, an uncertain timetable
If the reopening of the RD503 marks progress, other key axes remain impassable, notably the RD7, whose damage is more significant. The Chorieux bridge, partially destroyed by the Valencize flood, will require a long and complex reconstruction.
Other roads also remain closed or under evaluation:
• RD22 in Saint-Sauveur-en-Rue.
• RD1082 at La Versanne.
• RD34 in Pelussin.
• RD503 on other sections.
The Department remains cautious and has not communicated a precise timetable for the reopening of these axes, preferring to concentrate on studies and work still in progress.
A bill estimated at 10 million euros
These repairs are part of a budget of 6 million euros released by the Department this fall, with work launched even before the official adoption of the appropriations. But the total bill could rise to 10 million euros or more, once the figures are consolidated.
These floods, which ravaged part of the department’s road heritage, are a reminder of the importance of connecting infrastructure for areas like Pilat. The gradual reopening of roads remains crucial for residents and businesses, in a region where these axes constitute an essential link between municipalities and the Rhône valley.
