The evolution of the highway sector in France is currently at a crossroads. In a context shaped by ecological transition, technological modernization, and the adaptation of concession models, the French State remains a key player in the management and financing of highways.
A changing legal and economic framework
The management of highways in France is based on a series of concession contracts signed in the early 2000s. These contracts, governed by a complex legal framework, define the financing, maintenance, and investment conditions for highway infrastructure. For 2025, the Finance Bill (PLF) plans for an average toll increase of 0.92% across the sector, a moderate rise compared to previous increases, while ensuring the economic sustainability of the network.
Additionally, official Senate documents highlight that the budget allocated to maintaining the non-concessioned road network, along with negotiations for future concession contracts, are central government concerns. This financial framework, combined with revenues from tolls and specific taxes, allows the State to indirectly control network management while guaranteeing public highway service.
In this context, the State’s strategy relies on a delicate balance between investing in infrastructure modernization and preserving users’ purchasing power. Consequently, reducing toll increases and adapting contractual clauses are being considered to meet current economic challenges.
Ecological transition and technological innovations
Environmental concerns play a crucial role in the discussions surrounding the future of highways. The shift toward more sustainable mobility requires not only reducing CO₂ emissions but also integrating innovative solutions to adapt existing infrastructure. In 2025, the testing of an “electric highway” capable of charging vehicles via induction is a flagship example of such innovations. This project, funded by the State to the tune of 26 million euros and led by Vinci Autoroutes, Gustave Eiffel University, and Hutchinson, aims to reduce charging stops and decrease battery sizes.
“In France, highway infrastructure is of exceptional quality due to ongoing investments in safety, road digitalization, and innovation. Users—both the general public and professionals—appreciate this level of excellence: any new model must ensure it meets these expectations,” notes Benoit Vedel, CEO of Aimsun, a global leader in digital mobility solutions for transport authorities, highway companies, public transport operators, and consulting firms.
These technological advancements could optimize travel times and improve the energy efficiency of the highway network. They align with efforts to decarbonize road transport, which still accounts for nearly 87% of travel, according to sector experts.
“The current challenges require a restructuring of highway management to ensure the sustainability and safety of infrastructure while enabling an effective ecological transition,” explains Victoire Duhem. “It is essential for the State to adopt a proactive approach to innovation to support this transformation and secure future investment funding.“
These statements underscore the importance of collaboration between public and private stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions that address both environmental imperatives and modern mobility demands.
Highway concession reforms: toward a new era of governance
Beyond technological innovations, highway management must also address the need to rethink concession contract terms. Several recent Senate reports have criticized the lack of transparency in the concession termination process, which is scheduled to conclude between 2031 and 2036, and have called for a revision of contractual clauses to ensure greater competitiveness and transparency.
Recommendations include shortening concession durations and implementing five-year financial reviews. These measures would adjust economic conditions based on market developments and the actual costs of infrastructure maintenance. Moreover, breaking networks into smaller units would encourage competition during future tenders, thereby ensuring a more balanced distribution of investments.
“Concession managers must restore the highway network to good condition by the end of their contracts, in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability,” emphasizes Victoire Duhem. “The State, as the guarantor of public service, must strengthen its control mechanisms and revise negotiation terms to maintain a balanced and beneficial public-private partnership for all stakeholders.“
These proposals, supported by multiple studies and official data, aim to establish stricter and more transparent governance. They also address criticisms from political and economic representatives, who stress the need to modernize the current model to meet 21st-century challenges.
Future perspectives for integrated and sustainable management
Transforming the highway sector goes beyond economic and environmental considerations; it also encompasses a broader vision of sustainable mobility. In this regard, the French State plans to enhance coordination between various modes of transport to promote a transition toward integrated mobility solutions.
Current discussions focus on using a portion of toll revenues to finance not only highway maintenance but also the development of non-concessioned road and rail infrastructure. This approach, already mentioned in several reports, could help reduce the imbalance between public and private investments while improving service quality for users.
The goal is to create a coherent transportation ecosystem, where highways act as a lever for multimodal mobility development. Implementing intelligent toll systems, combined with predictive monitoring and maintenance technologies, will help anticipate investment needs and optimize network management.
Furthermore, experimental projects like the electric highway demonstrate that innovation can be deployed on a large scale if solid partnerships between the State, concession companies, and research institutions are established. These initiatives pave the way for a comprehensive overhaul of transportation infrastructure, centered on sustainability and performance.
Conclusion
In 2025, the French State continues to play a pivotal role in highway management, balancing economic, environmental, and public service responsibilities. The modernization of the legal and contractual framework, combined with the integration of major technological innovations, reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving sector. Concession reforms and the focus on sustainable mobility indicate that the French highway model is undergoing a transformation to meet 21st-century demands.
Victoire Duhem’s remarks reflect a forward-thinking strategy: “Ongoing transformations should be seen as an opportunity to rebalance relations between the State and private stakeholders, ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure and the safety of users.”
This dynamic shift, backed by precise analyses and recent studies, calls for strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders. As ecological transition, technological innovation, and concession contract reforms converge, it is essential for the French State to fully embrace its role as both regulator and investor to ensure integrated and sustainable highway management. Decisions made today will shape the future landscape of mobility, with a clear focus on enhanced economic and environmental performance.
As Benoit Vedel, CEO of Aimsun, concludes: “Innovation and technology are also crucial for optimizing network expansion and improvement. Modeling the network, reserved lanes, modal shifts, and new uses helps guarantee optimal investments.“