Southern Alps Rail Performance project targets 2029 completion

The Southern Alps Rail Performance project is now in public consultation. SNCF Réseau is leading the process in partnership with SNCF Gares & Connexions. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Residents, passengers, economic stakeholders, associations and local authorities can access information on the plans. Also, they can ask questions and submit comments or proposals.

Southern Alps Rail Performance project scope

According to SNCF Réseau, the programme concerns the Aix-en-Provence to Briançon rail route. It covers modernisation of the line. In addition, the line links southern France with the south-eastern Alpine region. It is a key mobility corridor through the Alpine valleys and the Durance valley.

The route is more than 100 years old. It extends for over 280 km and serves 15 stations. It supports daily travel, tourism and economic development across 55 municipalities along the corridor. The infrastructure is ageing. At the same time, natural conditions on the line are difficult. For this reason, a large investment programme is required. Its stated aims are to ensure rail safety and reliability. In addition, the programme aims to improve station accessibility and intermodality. It also aims to enhance the economic and tourism attractiveness of the regions served.

Planned works and timeline

For example, the planned railway line modernisation covers infrastructure works and selected station redevelopment, including:

• replacement of 120 km of track;
• rehabilitation of 85 engineering structures and earthworks;
• reopening of two train crossing points;
• signalling upgrades;
• removal of installations that are obsolete or redundant;
• redevelopment of six stations: Meyrargues, Gap, Embrun, Mont-Dauphin-Guillestre, L’Argentière-les-Écrins and Briançon.

The SNCF Réseau project page cites the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It presents their hosting in the French Alps as an opportunity to accelerate the programme. The works were initially expected to be spread over more than a decade. Meanwhile, the current schedule targets completion by the end of 2029. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

Co-financing for the Southern Alps rail performance project

Separately, the project is valued at about €325 million in total. Of this amount, €285 million is allocated to infrastructure works delivered by SNCF Réseau. This part is funded by the French State and the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region. Also, funding comes from the Hautes-Alpes Department, the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis and other institutional partners.

In addition, a further €40 million is planned for works at the six stations. These works are led by SNCF Gares & Connexions. They are co-financed by the State, the region, local authorities and other partners.

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