Work to create a roundabout at Couvrot on RN44

The construction works for a roundabout in Couvrot (51) on the RN44 are part of the modernization program for routes (PDMI) and will run from Monday, 15 June 2026, to May 2027.

Objectives of the works:

• Improve safety and traffic quality on the RN44.
• Eliminate intersections with atypical geometry and access points to agricultural holdings.
• Secure access to the cement plant and the municipalities of Saint-Amand-sur-Fion and Saint-Lumier-en-Champagne.
• Reduce the number of accidents, including 6 fatal and 10 serious injuries between 2007 and 2024.

Characteristics of the section:

• Traffic volume: 15,320 vehicles/day.
• Percentage of heavy goods vehicles: 22%.
• Two-way section (2 x 1 lane) with sharp curves, significant elevation changes, and complex intersections.

Work details:

• Construction of a roundabout to replace the current intersections.
• Upgrading of sanitation infrastructure.
• Elimination of the intersection with RD402.
• Reinforcement of the agricultural path.
• Closure of access points for local residents and agricultural users.
• Compensatory reforestation in the south-west of the future roundabout.
• Planting of ten trees west of RN44 to compensate for the felling of two trees.

Funding:

• Total cost: 6.5 million euros.
• Financed by the Grand Est Region, with support from the State and the Departmental Council of Marne (943,657.96 €).

Work phases:

• Phase 1 (from 17 June to 31 October 2026):

• Preliminary earthworks and temporary connection south of the roundabout.
• Provisional connections and sewage basin construction.
• Closure of the RD260 from Saint-Amand-sur-Fion.
• Complete closure of the communal road between Couvrot and Saint-Lumier-en-Champagne.
• Deviation A1: Saint-Lumier-en-Champagne → Aulnay-l’Aître → Ablancourt → RN44 toward Vitry-le-François.
• Deviation A2: Saint-Lumier-en-Champagne → La-Chaussée-sur-Marne → RN44 toward Châlons-en-Champagne.
• Deviation B2: Vitry-le-François → La-Chaussée-sur-Marne → Aulnay-l’Aître → Saint-Amand-sur-Fion.

• Phase 2 (end of October 2026, during a weekend):

• Full closure of the RN44 in both directions, from Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m.
• Final connection of the RN44 to the south of the roundabout.
• A1 diversion: Saint-Lumier-en-Champagne → Aulnay-l’Aître → Ablancourt → RN44 toward Vitry-le-François.
• A2 diversion: Saint-Lumier-en-Champagne → La-Chaussée-sur-Marne → RN44 toward Châlons-en-Champagne.
• D1 diversion: La-Chaussée-sur-Marne → Soulanges → Couvrot → RN44 toward Vitry-le-François.
• D2 diversion: Nancy → RD982 → Vitry-en-Perthois → RD69 → Saint-Quentin-les-Marais → RD60 → Saint-Amand-sur-Fion → La-Chaussée-sur-Marne.

• Phase 3 (end 2026 – beginning 2027, approximately 4 months):

• Completion of roads west of RN44.
• Restoration of access/egress roads to the parking area.
• Opening of the roundabout and RD260/VC2.
• Closure of the Raguetterie parking area.

• Phase 4 (spring 2027):

• Final connections of the road network.
• Work carried out over several nights.
• C2 detour: Vitry-le-François → Saint-Amand-sur-Fion → La-Chaussée-sur-Marne → RN44 toward Châlons-en-Champagne.

Additional information:

• Traffic on RN44 will be maintained throughout almost the entire duration of the works.
• Speed reduced to 70 km/h approaching the construction site.
• Some temporary nighttime closures are planned.
• Detours will be in place for the entire duration of the works.
• Emergency nights and weekends are scheduled for weather or site-related incidents.