Upcoming Motorway Projects in France: What New Infrastructure is on the Horizon?

What are the upcoming motorway projects in France set to transform traffic and improve the daily experience for drivers? From building new routes to modernising existing corridors, the goal is clear: reduce congestion and make traffic flow more smoothly. With the major rollout of free-flow tolling, French motorways are moving towards a barrier-free model. Discover which infrastructures are currently under development and what real benefits you can expect as a driver in France.

What Major Road Infrastructure Is Being Developed? 

Which Major Motorway Projects Are Coming Soon?

France is investing in several major motorway projects to improve connectivity between cities and streamline transport networks.

• The Arles Bypass: A key project to reduce congestion and limit heavy goods traffic in the city centre. This future motorway will optimise traffic on this strategic route in southern France.
• The Machilly Motorway Link: A large-scale project to improve connections between Haute-Savoie and Switzerland, making local transport more efficient.
• The Rouen-Orléans Corridor: This planned motorway link aims to connect the two cities and ease travel along this essential road corridor.

Some of these projects have already received public utility status and are funded with investments of several million euros. Completion is expected within the next few years, with phased openings as sections are finished.

How Is Free-Flow Tolling Modernising Existing Motorways?

The free-flow tolling revolution is underway. Gantries equipped with cameras and sensors will allow drivers to travel more smoothly on French motorways. This innovative system detects vehicles and automates payment.
Currently, several toll types coexist in France. However, the rollout of free-flow tolling is ongoing. Several French motorways have already adopted barrier-free tolling, such as:

• The A79 motorway in France: the first French route to implement free-flow tolling in 2022, it has already led to a reduction in traffic jams at toll barriers.
• The A13 and A14 motorways (the Paris-Normandy corridor): a recent project launched in 2024 by the SANEF group. This marks a major step forward in modern transport, with the removal of old toll areas and barriers.

 By 2040, several more motorways in France will follow this trend, especially on major routes. Other sections will be gradually adapted to this new model to optimise traffic flow and reduce time lost on the road.

Why Is Free-Flow Tolling Becoming the Standard on French Motorways?

Free-flow tolling relies on automated detection systems using cameras and electronic toll badges. It allows for:

• The removal of toll barriers for uninterrupted, smooth driving.
• Significant time savings by eliminating queues at toll booths.
• Simplified billing with a single invoice and no paper tickets.

More specifically, what are the benefits of free-flow tolling for drivers?

  1. Less Waiting at Tolls

The rollout of free-flow tolling eliminates motorway toll booths, which reduces:

• Toll queues and slowdowns.
• Time lost to manual payments.
• The hassle of finding a payment method at motorway exits.
• The stress of changing lanes at toll areas.

  2. A Solution for Every Driver

• With a Bip&Go toll badge: your vehicle is detected automatically. The toll amount is calculated and debited at the end of the month.
• Without a badge: you must pay the toll invoice online within 72 hours on the motorway operator’s website, via NIRIO (at a tobacconist), or at a toll payment kiosk.
• If you do not pay, you will be required to pay a toll fine of €90.

  3. A Positive Environmental Impact

• Fewer stops mean lower fuel consumption and less CO2 emissions.

• Fewer physical infrastructures: old toll areas are removed, freeing up hectares of land for biodiversity.

   

Future motorway projects and the modernisation of existing infrastructure will profoundly transform the driving experience in France. With barrier-free motorways, travel becomes smoother, faster, and more environmentally friendly. Get ahead of the change and choose the Bip&Go badge—your best ally for a stress-free, uninterrupted journey. 

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