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LAUNCH OF MODERNISATION WORKS ON THE RAILWAY SYSTEM BETWEEN BEILLANT AND ANGOULEME

Publié le 16 February 2021

ETF teams have been commissioned to carry out major works on the Angoulême-Beillant line to ensure the long-term viability of the tracks. After a month of preparatory work beginning in January 2021, the operational teams were able to start removing the existing track and begin the renewal work.

A project serving regional transport

The aim of this major project is to guarantee the long-term viability and reliability of this historic line (1860), which crosses the entire Charente valley, for the next 20 years. It will also enable the line’s nominal speed of 110 km/h to be maintained, while making the infrastructure compatible with a potential speed increase to 140 km/h.

Included in the State-Region Plan Contract (CPER) for the former Poitou-Charentes region, this work is being financed by the French government, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the Charente and Charente-Maritime departmental councils and SNCF Réseau.

A dedicated team for a major project

To carry out this highly strategic project for the region, the ETF teams from the Atlantique agency (lead contractor) are supported by Feroway, VINCI Construction Terrassement and Bouygues Energies Services. They will work on a closed line (total interruption of traffic) until July 2021.

During the six-month project, 40 people will work in shifts to complete:

  • 7,135 metres of track and ballast renewal
  • 5,505 metres of ballast and sleeper renewal
  • 6,644 metres of sleeper renewal and lifting
  • 11,100 metres of rail renewal
  • 60 km of underground earth cable installation
  • Improvements to the platform over several kilometres.

For over a month, the teams will also be able to count on Enorail, with the arrival of the SVB800, the new factory train from ETF and Eiffage Rail.