Securing the renovation worksite on the Horlogers 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), Feroway and Vermot TP (Eurovia). This synergy made it possible to deliver a turnkey project to SNCF Réseau.
Feroway’s dedicated rail safety teams worked alongside the construction teams throughout the project. In particular, they ensured the closure of level crossings and the safe derailment of site machinery. They also played a key role in the smooth running of the works by managing the routing and operation of the work trains.
