Mulsanne Corner to Porsche Curves

[DS240]

I'm sure I read or heard this over Le Mans weekend, but is there any truth in it or am I mistaken about the details?

(I'm aware its closed at times other than racing over the weekend to stop silly driving)

From Mulsanne Corner to the Porsche Curves will become permanent circuit, leaving only Mulsanne Straight as public road.

I took a drive around the circuit on the Monday just in case it's the last chance.

[chrisr111r]

I think I heard that in commentry as well - will be a proper shame if that happens imho

[FredericRobinson]

It's the Indianapolis to Arnage section which is planned to be bypassed.

[SAGTAFF]

FredericRobinson said:

It's the Indianapolis to Arnage section which is planned to be bypassed.

Are you saying no more Indianapolis and Arnage or it will remain but be closed all time? If the former then this will rip out a big part of what Le Mans is all about. IMO, that section is the best viewing place.

[FredericRobinson]

The plan I'd heard was that the public road would go straight on at the right leading into Indianapolis, which would affect the Arnage campsite, but there are some rumours about that the viewing bank might be affected, hope not.

[Printertosh]

Here's an extract from an Autosport article last year:

Changes to the public highway will eventually make the section of track from the right-hander at Indianapolis to Arnage permanent circuit.

The local government is changing the layout of the roads to do away with the crossroads at which the circuit turns 90-deg right at Arnage Corner because it is an accident blackspot.

There will be a roundabout south of the corner reached by a new road that will leave the existing track at the start of Indianapolis.

A byproduct of the changes, which include a further new road section running east-west, will be to improve access to the spectator enclosure between Indianapolis and Arnage.

[chrisr111r]

sounds all good then, so if they can just fix it so we can walk from porsche curves to arnage direct, without going via the traffic diversion then it will be perfect!

[DS240]

Of course it involves more work and money but if you close the road there, is it not better in the long run to simply close it at Mulsanne corner all the way through as planned. Then improve spectator areas, parking, access etc. Create a new route around.

Trouble is, its major work for essentially one weekend a year.

And a lot of the race appeal is the fact it's on part public roads.