Emovis wins 10-year Mont Blanc free-flow deal

Mont Blanc Motorways and Tunnel (ATMB) will have free-flow tolling under a 10-year contract awarded to Emovis, a subsidiary of Abertis Mobility Services.

Emovis will convert 58km of the A40 motorway in France into a free-flow tolling system, which is set to be operational by spring 2027, replacing the current toll plazas. Five bidirectional toll gantries will be installed along the route between Sallanches and Annemasse.

The project is “pivotal” for ATMB and its customers, said Christophe Dubois, director of networks and environment at ATMB: “The challenges are significant and we are counting on this well-established partner in the free-flow market to guide us through this multi-dimensional transformation."

ATMB will benefit from Emovis’ free-flow and back-office operational solutions, developed over many years and deployed with numerous concessionaires worldwide, including in Chile, UK, the Netherlands, US, Qatar and Canada. Emovis said that the combination of these solutions ensures the detection, classification and management of all vehicles passing under the gantries in the most automated way possible, leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms.

Emovis' maintenance and operations teams will manage the entire system in collaboration with ATMB during the 10-year contract period.

"We are more than a solution provider – we are a true partner, enabling ATMB’s seamless and successful transition to free-flow tolling," said Christian Barrientos, chief executive of Abertis. "This partnership with ATMB further validates our expertise in free-flow tolling technologies. The new tolling system will not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to reducing emissions as vehicles will no longer need to stop at toll barriers."

The project is closely aligned with the European Union’s commitments to corporate social responsibility, particularly in reducing CO₂ emissions.

ATMB facilitates travel in the heart of France’s Haute-Savoie region, connecting Switzerland and Italy. It is 91.3% owned by the French state and local authorities. It operates the Mont Blanc Tunnel in partnership with its Italian counterpart, SITMB, as well as the Autoroute Blanche (A40). Since 2010, it has also managed the Route Blanche (RN205).