ETF contributes to the transformation of the Brézet technical centre
As part of a 100% VINCI consortium alongside Campenon-Bernard, Dumez and Axians France, ETF is carrying out track work for the future maintenance workshop at Brézet (63). The second largest regional network after Île-de-France, with 220,000 passengers daily, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is seeking to accelerate the renovation of its trains. The transformation of this railway depot will increase the site’s autonomy and optimise train maintenance.
A meticulously planned organisation for ETF
After six months of studies, work began in July 2025, involving several ETF agencies. Champenoise des voies ferrées installed 14 sets of points for the connection to the network. ETF Clermont-Ferrand is laying 2,000 metres of external ballasted track, while teams from the Vitrolles agency are working on the 370 linear metres of track inside the workshop. The ETF Caténaire Sud agency has also been mobilised for the power supply work up to the entrance to the new building.
The track work will be completed in January 2026. In total, the ETF teams have carried out 2,200 hours of insertions on this highly technical project. A very enriching experience for the temporary workers.
This project is a fine demonstration of the synergy between the various agencies of the DR Sud, which are able to work simultaneously on an operational site.
Laying track on sleepers: a precision exercise
To optimise train maintenance, new technical centres, such as the one in Brézet, are equipped with pit tracks. This configuration offers better accessibility for repairs and inspections. Four pit tracks have been laid at this site. They require the installation of parallel posts every 150 centimetres, with an accuracy of one-fiftieth of a millimetre. These posts are then concreted into the ground to support the track and the trains that run on it every day.
ETF is proud to contribute to the optimisation of train maintenance in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This transformation will improve the production tools of the operator SNCF Voyageur and ultimately improve the service offered to users in the region.
