ETF mobilises in Somain on the Vigirail construction site

As part of the VIGIRAIL programme (SNCF Réseau), ETF teams from the North agency are carrying out track renewal work on the Douai/Blanc Misseron railway line at Somain station.

This project began in February but was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On the weekend of 16 and 17 May, the teams resumed part of the work, while another part was postponed until next year. ETF, the contract agent, called on the Feroway teams to provide traction.

Around 20 employees during the week and 35 at weekends are working to complete the project.

The project is divided into two parts:

Weekend operations:

• Renewal of eight sets of points, assembled on site and laid using PEM/LEM.
• Renewal of ballast under seven sets of points and along 168 linear metres of track.

Operations during weekday nights:

• Renewal of track and ballast over 109 linear metres
• Lifting of 553 linear metres of track
• Renewal of rail over 100 linear metres

Measures have been taken to minimise the risk of contamination as much as possible:

• A marquee was set up to carry out the first 5 minutes of work and to remind workers of the health rules to be observed during each operation, in compliance with social distancing measures.
• A pathway was set up to direct traffic flow in the base camp.
• Separator plates were installed between the offices in the base camp.
• Standalone sinks were made available in the base camp and also in the construction area.
• The sanitary facilities, as well as the base camp and the JCR, were cleaned every two hours by a specialised company.
• All vehicles are equipped with a protective screen between the driver and passenger, and a COVID-19 toolkit containing: surgical masks, FFP3 masks, gloves, hand sanitiser, wipes and disinfectants.
• Equipment must be disinfected at the start and end of each shift.
• Each employee is provided with three surgical masks for a nine-hour shift (one mask per three hours of work).
• Helmets are equipped with a visor that can replace protective goggles.
• The schedule is adapted to health regulations: detailed briefing, equipment disinfection time, compliance with barrier gestures, etc.