Sarthe. Between Saint-Calais and Le Mans, a new overtaking slot on the RD357
By Valentin Mauduit
Published on
New work at Bouloire, Ecorpain and Coudrecieux began at the end of January, after the winter break. This is the second niche that is made on the RD357 East and also the one that offers the most possibilities of overtaking (1500 meters in both directions).
4,800 light vehicles per day
Beyond the dangerousness of this portion, the Department explains why this work is necessary.
The RD357-Est is the only departmental road in the main network not doubled by a motorway. There is a lot of traffic there (4,800 light vehicles/day) with a high proportion of heavy goods vehicles (31%).
However, this road has a strong deficit in overtaking zones, due in particular to the hilly topography which limits visibility. This leads to behavior that is sometimes inappropriate and dangerous, as well as a strong feeling of insecurity for a large number of users.
The objective of the work is to make overtaking safer, by creating secure dedicated slots and thus improving traffic fluidity. Overtaking possibilities have been improved with the creation of the Saint-Calais diversion.
Provisional schedule
The clearing and a first supply of materials from the Montaillé niche having been carried out in 2021, the work will continue until mid-September 2022. The creation of the recovery route from the start of the works will continue with the realization of the abseils then the capping layers of the new routes until May.
The implementation of bituminous products and concrete separators will be spread out until mid-June to allow traffic to pass through and start work on the existing roads.
The work in detail
Located 4 kilometers from Bouloire in the direction of Saint-Calais, the development begins at Small Bunch to extend to Gaudin wood, i.e. over a total length of more than 2.2 kilometres. Two 3.5 m lanes will be created to the south of the existing ones, with a central reservation of 3 m equipped with concrete separators. The speed will be limited to 110km/h in overtaking areas. Three road platform water retention and treatment basins will be created, with an overall capacity of 1,800 m3.
Ten crossings for amphibians and a pond will be made.
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