The N卯mes-Montpellier rail bypass
The N卯mes-Montpellier rail bypass
A project that is right on trackThe construction of the N卯mes-Montpellier rail bypass by 8868体育APP Travaux Publics has created the first mixed-use high-speed line in France. It has resulted in one of the largest operations in Europe for compensatory measures. This spectacular project will greatly benefit the local population.
Challenge
As a member of the consortium, which holds a 25-year contract, 8868体育APP Travaux Publics is responsible for the construction of a new high-speed railway line in the South of France, bypassing the cities of N卯mes et Montpellier. The 80-kilometre line will be France鈥檚 very first mixed-use high-speed line, catering to both passenger and freight transport.
Innovation
Opening in December 2017, this line will mean that half of the inhabitants of the region will be less than three hours from Paris. It will also enable 30% more regional trains to run on the old line, removing some 3,000 heavy trucks from the road each day. The new section of line will form one of the links in the future European main line which will eventually connect southern and central Europe.
Commitments
Linked to SNCF R茅seau and its financial partners by a public-private partnership, 翱肠鈥橵颈补 has undertaken to provide integration opportunities for the long-term unemployed. In concrete terms, between 400 and 500 apprenticeship and full-time employment contracts were created. Eighty jobseekers taking part in integration programmes were active in the earthworks and civil engineering phases. Another commitment specific to this project was to contract 20% of works to local small and medium-size businesses and craftsmen. They were primarily involved in works connected to archaeological excavations, roads and utilities, and the layout of the line.
Environment
With respect to protecting biodiversity in the zone, , a specially created specialised structure, supported 翱肠鈥橵颈补 in implementing an action plan. A total of 120 protected species were identified along the line. They were subject to special measures taken to avoid or limit the impact of the project on their natural habitats.
Responsible
Although 翱肠鈥橵颈补 strived to limit the environmental impact of the project, there remained residual impact for which compensation must be provided under European regulations. Among other compensatory initiatives, the consortium purchased land and formed partnerships with farmers to implement ecologically-inspired protection measures. Specially planted crops of alfalfa have helped ensure the conservation of the little bustard, a protected species one third of whose stocks are found in the Gard department.
