Motorists have been stuck in gridlock all week at the western exit of Monaco, as major construction works in neighbouring Cap d’Ail bring daily traffic to a near standstill. The launch of the Résidence Les Romarins project on Avenue Prince Rainier III has significantly reduced road capacity along one of the Principality’s key outbound routes — and chaos has followed.
The development, which officially began on Tuesday 2nd September, will see 17 social housing units built across two R+3 buildings with semi-underground parking. The works are scheduled to last for 18 months, with delivery forecast for 2027.
In the meantime, however, traffic is being funnelled into a single uphill lane over a 40-metre stretch between numbers 47 and 62 of the avenue — and the result has been a week of heavy delays, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Those who commute daily (including this reporter) have already felt the brunt of the disruption.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the Monaco Government took to social media this week to reassure the public that it is working in coordination with the Mairie de Cap d’Ail to reduce the impact on traffic flow:
“Monaco mobilises its operational teams in coordination with the Mairie de Cap d’Ail to find a less disruptive site layout for motorists on the Moyenne Corniche during peak hours.”
According to decree no. 288/25 issued by Cap d’Ail, the construction zone now has a 30km/h speed limit, overtaking is banned for all vehicles — including two-wheelers — and temporary signage and detour routes are being installed. The lane reduction is aimed at protecting on-site workers but has also severely limited vehicle movement.
Cap d’Ail Mayor Xavier Beck has acknowledged the disruption and confirmed that the road will fully reopen temporarily over the festive period — from the evening of 19th December to the morning of 5th January — while the works are paused.
The Résidence Les Romarins project, led by social housing provider Erilia, was first approved in July 2021. Once completed, it will offer 17 rental units ranging from two- to five-room apartments.
Until then, however, commuters can expect continued delays — at least until Monaco and Cap d’Ail agree on a more efficient traffic management solution.
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Photo of Avenue Prince Rainier III taken from Google maps