Safer roads, refurbished bridges and more reliable travel: the Grand Est Region is launching a major programme to modernise its road network. With over €2.1 billion in investment planned by 2035, it aims to bring about lasting improvements to traffic conditions. To fund this initiative, an eco-levy on heavy goods vehicles will come into force on 2 April 2027
 

Major investments for safer roads

Since 1 January 2025, the Grand Est Region has been responsible for managing 525 kilometres of national roads and motorways, including the A31, A33, RN4 and RN52. These routes, which are essential for daily travel and economic activity, now require major renovation work.

Faced with ageing infrastructure, the Region has decided to take immediate action. More than 2.1 billion euros will therefore be invested by 2035 to renovate road surfaces and bridges, make routes safer, modernise rest areas and improve traffic management.

The aim is to anticipate deterioration rather than having to carry out emergency repairs, whilst ensuring safer and smoother journeys for road users.
 

An eco-levy on heavy goods vehicles from April 2027

To support these investments, the Region is introducing an eco-levy on heavy goods vehicles (ECPL), which will apply from 2 April 2027 across the 525 kilometres of the regional road network.

This levy will apply only to heavy goods vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes and carrying goods, whether French or foreign. The amount will be calculated based on the number of kilometres travelled, the vehicle’s weight and its environmental performance, with an average rate of 15 centimes per kilometre.

Car drivers are not affected, nor are vans, agricultural vehicles or public transport. In a region situated at the crossroads of Europe, where 70 per cent of heavy goods vehicle traffic is from abroad, this measure aims to ensure that road users contribute to the maintenance of the network. All revenue will be allocated to funding road infrastructure and supporting the transformation of freight transport.
 

Measures to support businesses

Aware of the economic challenges facing local businesses, the Region is planning several support schemes.

Exemptions and specific grants will, in particular, support the agriculture, viticulture and forestry sectors, which are particularly dependent on road transport. Small and medium-sized industrial and craft businesses will also be able to benefit from support to offset the most significant additional costs.

Hauliers, for their part, will receive support in installing the equipment required for the eco-levy and in modernising their vehicles.
 

More modern and less polluting transport

Beyond road maintenance, the Region aims to accelerate the energy transition in freight transport. Various schemes will encourage the purchase of less polluting heavy goods vehicles, the conversion of existing vehicles and the development of electric charging or biofuel refuelling infrastructure. Some businesses will thus be eligible for up to €100,000 in funding towards the purchase of a zero-emission heavy goods vehicle.

The development of rail freight is also a priority, with €101 million earmarked for works between 2027 and 2035 to maintain and develop local freight lines.

Through this strategy, the Grand Est Region is pursuing a clear ambition: to maintain and modernise its roads whilst paving the way for more sustainable transport solutions, for the benefit of residents and the regional economy.