Track works

Won in March 2024, the new contract for track renewal on the national rail network confirms the quality of ETF’s expertise. Awarded by SNCF Réseau, the four-year firm contract with two optional years covers the renewal of almost 800 kilometres of track (replacement of ballast, sleepers and rails) between now and 2030.

After a preparatory phase throughout the year (studies, site identification, installation of rear bases, etc.), the operational phase will start at the beginning of 2025. Five initial sites are already scheduled in Burgundy, the North of France and the Paris region. Most of the work will take place at night, to reduce the impact on passenger traffic.

This new project capitalises on the experience acquired since 2017 on the Suite Rapide nationale (2018-2024) and Zones Denses (2017-2023) contracts. The methodology implemented is based on the use of a factory train, which can be used either in ‘simple mode’ for track substitution or in ‘combined mode’ for track and ballast replacement. The factory train allows work to be carried out in areas with obstacles of restricted gauge (platforms and engineering structures), thanks to an excavation width that can be adjusted as the work progresses, and which can be reduced to 2.80 metres.

In order to improve productivity and further extend its performance range, ETF is investing in upgrading its fleet of equipment with the construction of a stripping and screening machine (delivery scheduled for early 2025). The machine’s simplicity and light dimensions mean that the worksite can be organised around three work trains a day. With this tool, ETF is able to adapt its track renewal methodology to the characteristics of each worksite, and constantly offer SNCF the best possible technical solution. Daily progress can now reach 900 metres. New equipment for a dual objective of increased agility and performance.