Donchery: Group synergy driving the modernisation of rail infrastructure
In Donchery, in the Ardennes, teams from ETF and Cardem recently pooled their expertise to carry out a major project aimed at bringing the railway track levelling back into compliance. Organised around two successive intensive phases, this project illustrates how VINCI Construction’s complementary areas of expertise contribute to the modernisation and long-term sustainability of the national rail network.
The demolition of an old railway overpass
The presence of an old railway overpass was hindering mechanised maintenance operations. The structure’s configuration had gradually caused a defect in the track geometry, characterised by a significant dip which no longer allowed tamping operations to be carried out under suitable conditions.
Its demolition was therefore an essential step in permanently correcting the track level and restoring the conditions necessary for its maintenance.
Following several weeks of preparation and earthworks, teams from Cardem Est carried out the demolition of this structure, consisting of encased girders and situated above two railway lines, between 11 and 13 July.
A second operation to bring the track back into compliance
A week later, over the weekend of 18 July, teams from ETF’s Grand Est branch took over to commence the second phase of the project and restore the track’s geometry.
Several technical operations were carried out in succession, including ballasting, levelling and tamping of the track. The work concluded with a stabilisation phase using the MASS machine, to consolidate the track bed and ensure the stability of the infrastructure following the works.
A range of specialist skills brought together for a single project
Alongside Cardem Est and the ETF teams, a range of specialist expertise was mobilised:
- ETF Services, responsible for railway safety services;
- The Catenary teams, who carried out the removal of the old poles, the installation of new equipment, and the stringing and adjustment of the catenary;
- The Agence Travaux Mécanisés Nationaux (ATMN) provided the mechanised resources required for the operations, notably the tamping machines and the MASS machine.
Simultaneous operations across several sectors in the Ardennes
Whilst work was continuing at Donchery, ETF teams were also deployed a few kilometres away, at Nouvion-sur-Meuse, to carry out ballast renewal work.
