Complete modernisation of the signalling for the Paris-Lyon high-speed line with SYSTRA

101 hours to change everything: this is the network challenge that teams from SYSTRA France, Eiffage Énergie Systèmes (lead), Saferail and TGSO have been preparing for since 2019 as part of the LGV+ programme, also known as HPGV (Haute Performance Grande Vitesse).

Brought into service in 1981, the Paris-Lyon line is the oldest LGV in Europe and the busiest, with up to 13 trains per hour. Equipped with an old signalling system, its two tracks were completely regenerated by computerised signal boxes during an operation organised over the long weekend of November 11. The aim? To enable migration to the interoperable ERTMS level 2 system by 2026.

More than 400km of high-speed line to equip
SYSTRA was project manager for the design of the LGV’s 58 technical buildings, which house the line’s computer stations, from working drawings to technical checks. Our teams also drew up the technical plans for 33 signal boxes and took part in the technical checks on the entire line.

Since November 13, the signalling installations on the LGV Sud-Est line have been controlled from a new control tower based in Lyon. Now equipped, the 409km Paris-Lyon line will be more reliable, resilient and interoperable, enabling trains from all over Europe to run on it. This will further increase the number of connections on this line in 2030, with up to 16 trains per hour in each direction.

"This switchover is a world first and represents the culmination of almost five years of studies. SYSTRA France has been involved in all phases of the project since 2019. This is the first time that SNCF Réseau has outsourced so many tasks, and we are proud of the confidence they have shown in us," said Marc Bogaert, project manager, FIT (Railways), SYSTRA France.

ERTMS: SYSTRA in pole position for signalling changes
ERTMS, the backbone of interoperability and the harmonisation of railway operations, is gradually being rolled out across Europe. SYSTRA is contributing to this with numerous migration missions in Italy, Sweden and Denmark. In the second half of 2024, SYSTRA won the ERTMS migration contract for the Channel Tunnel and the HS1 high-speed line between London and Folkestone, which will improve the UK’s links with the European rail system.

www.systra.com