ETF renews the Les Aubrais – Marigny-les-Usages line
Used by around a hundred freight trains each year, this former branch line connecting Fleury-les-Aubrais (45) to Marigny-les-Usages (45) was in need of refurbishment. As project contractors, the ETF teams, in conjunction with Sogea Environnement, will be working between September 2025 and January 2026 to renew the entire track and surrounding infrastructure on this 8 km section of line.
An important project for businesses in the region
This ageing route, which previously linked Fleury-les-Aubrais to Montargis, is now used by transport companies in the Orléans area to provide intermodal transport for nearly 70,000 tonnes of goods per year.
As track maintenance alone was no longer sufficient to ensure the smooth flow and safety of freight transport, ETF teams proceeded to regenerate the old track. This initial installation consisted of wooden sleepers and standard DC rails, requiring teams to carefully remove each bearing. The new track structure now consists of monobloc and bi-bloc concrete sleepers, new ballast and welded rails for the durability of the structure. Three sets of points and two railway bridges were also modernised as part of the works.
ETF civil engineering and signalling teams were called in to replace the cable ducts connecting the electrical cables on either side of the track. The signalling system was also upgraded to improve traffic flow.
A new synergy for VINCI Construction
As project manager, ETF is working in partnership with Sogea Environnement on the refurbishment of eight hydraulic structures and several structures under railway lines. This new collaboration demonstrates the complementary nature of the various entities within VINCI Construction in France.
A visit for integration
With the aim of promoting professional integration, ETF joined forces with VINCI Insertion Emploi to organise a discovery day in Les Aubrais: 16 people, including five employment advisors, took part in the event. They began by learning about ETF’s activities with a presentation on careers in the railway industry. Before donning PPE for a guided tour of the site, those present were able to learn more about the context of the project through a specific safety briefing. This initiative, which promotes ETF’s professions to employment stakeholders, also led to the signing of a 325-hour temporary professional integration contract on this site.
Ultimately, this renewal guarantees the sustainability of rail freight between Fleury-les-Aubrais (45) and Marigny-les-Usages (45). ETF is proud to contribute to ensuring continuous and secure freight transport in the Centre region.
