Technical details
Client
SNCF Réseau
Dates
2011-2021
Missions
Installation of railway bridges
Location
France
Activity
Railways

In 2021, the hydraulic transparency of the railway line linking the cities of Arles and Tarascon in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France was completed with the installation of the last two railway bridges. A long-term assignment led by SYSTRA since 2011.

The last operation involved 150 workers for 42 hours. During this operation, the framework bridges were installed using an original method, usually used to install gantries: the Kamag* method. The line was handed back to SNCF Reseau 5 hours ahead of schedule.

This project, linked to the Rhône Plan**, is a first in France. After several years of studies, the installation of the 10 railway bridges began in 2019, necessitating prolonged closures of the line during major operations.

MONUMENTAL STRUCTURES

The size of each bridge is impressive. On average 4 metres high, 28 metres long, 22 metres and a mass of 1,700 tonnes of iron and concrete. This is what was needed to provide optimum support for the double-track railway. Their installation required a 192-wheel hydraulic jack.

*The Kamag method owes its name to a self-propelled transporter. It is a platform vehicle with numerous axles enabling very heavy quantities to be shifted in special convoys over short distances.

** A plan to protect the region from flooding following the 2003 flood which affected more than 12,000 people and caused 700 million euros of damage.

Some examples of projects in Rail
The Morley-Ellenbrook line – Perth, Australia Old Oak Common station – United Kingdom Gatwick Airport Station – United Kingdom Automation of the S-TOG in Copenhagen – Denmark North-South Railway – Saudi Arabia Electrification of the track between Edinburgh and Glasgow – Scotland
See a selection of SYSTRA's projects