Renovation of the Franco-Swiss ‘Les Horlogers’ railway line
The modernisation of the watchmakers’ railway line, linking Besançon in the Doubs to La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, has been successfully completed. The project, aimed at optimising network performance and guaranteeing the regularity and safety of rail traffic, involved an investment of 53.5 million euros, financed by the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Region, the State and SNCF Réseau.
The work involved renewing 22.5 km of track, replacing 9 turnouts and carrying out major repairs to 2 km of platform. In addition, Besançon Mouillère station was made accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM). The work, carried out between 4 March and 8 July, took place on a closed line, ensuring safe and efficient execution.
The success of this project is the result of extensive collaboration between various ETF and VINCI Construction Group agencies in France: La Champenoise (lead contractor), ETF (mechanical works and signalling), ETF Services and Vermot TP (Eurovia). This synergy made it possible to deliver a turnkey project to SNCF Réseau.
One of the major challenges of this project was managing its environmental impact. Significant measures were put in place to minimise ecological disturbance and ensure that the work was carried out in a respectful manner.
This project marks a significant step forward for rail infrastructure between France and Switzerland, offering users a more efficient, regular and safe network.
