Traffic Disruption on A31 Motorway Due to Overturned Truck
On December 21, 2024, traffic on the A31 motorway in the Vosges was severely disrupted after a heavy goods vehicle carrying 150 pigs overturned. The incident occurred in the morning between the Bourbonne-les-Bains exit and the Montigny-le-Roy exit, heading towards Luxembourg-Beaune. The prefecture announced that the motorway would remain closed for several hours as emergency services worked to manage the situation and capture the escaped animals.
Emergency Response and Motorist Frustration
The closure coincided with a busy holiday travel period, leading to significant congestion. Motorists were advised to avoid the area, and a diversion was implemented. However, many drivers expressed frustration over the management of the situation, particularly regarding the toll barrier at Robécourt, which remained operational despite the blockage. One motorist, Miguel Vandamme, reported being stuck in traffic for seven hours, highlighting the lack of communication and facilities for stranded travelers.
Resumption of Traffic and Cleanup Efforts
By late afternoon, the prefecture confirmed that the operations to evacuate the animals were nearly complete, and the APRR (motorway concessionaire) began cleaning the roads to allow traffic to resume. Vosges sub-prefect Thomas Kupisz provided updates on the situation, assuring the public that efforts were being made to restore normalcy. Despite the eventual resumption of traffic, the incident raised concerns about the handling of emergencies on private motorways and the impact on users.
