On 16 June 2006, the French prime minister and regional authorities announced a €200 million project () to build a hydraulic dam using the waters of the Couesnon and the tides to help remove the accumulated silt, and to make Mont Saint-Michel an island again. The construction of the dam began in 2009. The project also includes the removal of the causeway and its visitor car park. Since 28 April 2012, the new car park on the mainland has been located 2.5 kilometres () from the island. Visitors can walk or use shuttles to cross the causeway.