The French industrial group MND, through its division MND SAFETY, continues its commitment alongside the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) to secure the state’s road network. A partner of CALTRANS for more than 20 years, MND has been selected to deploy new solutions on Highway 88 in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, reaffirming the sustained trust in French expertise in natural hazard risk prevention.

A new step to protect strategic routes in the Sierra Nevada

In the Carson Pass area, near Lake Tahoe, this new phase involves the installation of 12 inertial Gazex® systems and several Gazflex® units to replace and complement existing equipment that has been in place for decades. These installations will effectively prevent avalanches and help maintain traffic on key routes essential for local residents, emergency services, and the regional economy.

Work is scheduled for summer 2026 as part of an overall infrastructure modernization program led by CALTRANS. With remote activation capabilities and explosive‑free operation, MND’s Gazex® and Gazflex® systems ensure maximum safety for operators and 24/7 operational availability, regardless of weather conditions.

“In mountain environments, road safety is a vital issue. Being chosen once again by CALTRANS, with whom we have collaborated for more than three decades, reflects the strength of this partnership and the international recognition of our solutions,” said Thomas Berger, Deputy Director of MND SAFETY.

Major projects in Europe and South America

Alongside this Californian program, MND SAFETY is deploying several flagship projects worldwide:

• Cervinia, Italy: 2 shelters and 7 Gazex® exploders to enhance area protection.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: 3 new O’BellX® systems in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
• Les Ménuires, La Plagne and Les 7 Laux, France: modernization and extension of existing installations.
• Bonneval‑sur‑Arc, France: full retrofit of the Gazex® system for the Savoie Department Council, with redundant communication (radio + 4G) for remote activation in all conditions.
• Los Pelambres Mine, Chile: extension of the existing system with a 3 m³ Gazex® unit, added redundant communication, and 10 Nivwatch® masts for precise snow monitoring before, during, and after avalanche activation.

Global expertise, designed and manufactured in France

With over 4,000 installations in 30 countries, MND SAFETY supports road authorities, mountain resorts, and industrial sites in sustainably protecting people and infrastructure. All systems are designed, assembled, and tested in Sainte‑Hélène‑du‑Lac (Savoie), in the heart of the French Alps, ensuring quality, reliability, and innovation. Thanks to patented technologies that operate without explosives, MND SAFETY contributes every day to the safety of mountain territories around the world.