Delays in Rouen this Spring/Summer

[ValA.]

You may be already aware that there are delays in Rouen, due to the fire on the Pont Mathilde bridge and subsequent repairs and diversions. Now to add to the chaos, Rouen is hosting the Tall Ships Armada from 6th to 16th June 2013.
Entry to the ships is free - and there will be stalls and free entertainment. It's expected to attract millions(!) of visitors according to the Normandie Tourisme website. We're passing through, without caravan, on the Sunday - so may stay nearby and see some of it.
However, I can't help but think it will only add to the traffic chaos in and around Rouen, particularly when they have to open the Flaubert bridge on the days when the ships arrive (6th and 7th June).
It might be somewhere to avoid particularly during those ten days.

 

[emmerson]

Good post, thanks Val. Shan't be near there myself, going east this year.
If you've never seen them, the Tall Ships is a sight to behold. We've done it twice, in Gateshead and Hartlepool, and the estimate of millions of visitors is correct!
Rouen is a problem at the best of times; I cannot imagine what it's going to be like this summer, but good luck!

 

[carper2]

I'm glad to say we are not going through there this year. IfI was thinking of going through there I would find a different route.

Les

 

[Gafferbill]

...........these videos show what happened and the extent of the damage.
Spare a thought for the caravans that were burnt....they were subjected to burning fuel from above

They belonged to fairground families and no one was hurt.

Through traffic on the N28 exiting the Damental tunnel heading south, currently has to negotiate a traffic light operated T junction on the east bank of the Seine.
If you are heading south you will need to get into the left hand lane and use the A6015 on the east bank.
You can cross the river at Pont de l'Arche.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEPOQ3uvd0s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmioULp_KZo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tllK11CAOlQ

 

[Gafferbill]

Through traffic on the N28 exiting the Damental tunnel heading south, currently has to negotiate a traffic light operated T junction on the east bank of the Seine.
If you are heading south you will need to get into the left hand lane and use the A6015 on the east bank.
You can cross the river at Pont de l'Arche.

This is the route but bear in mind the T junction traffic lights mentioned above, may well cause tail backs