High-Speed Rail: Systra Wins French LNSO Contract, Railway Technology Trends

Systra Awarded Landmark Contract for France’s New Southwest High-Speed Rail Project

In a significant boost to France’s infrastructure ambitions, Systra France has secured a nine-year contract from SNCF Réseau to support the development of the New Southwest Line (Ligne Nouvelle Sud-Ouest – LNSO). This ambitious project, the largest rail infrastructure undertaking in French history, aims to connect Bordeaux to Toulouse and Bordeaux to Dax, promising dramatic improvements in journey times and regional connectivity. The contract, awarded by GPSO (Grand Projet Sud-Ouest), a division of SNCF Réseau, highlights Systra’s crucial role in the design and construction phases of this high-speed rail network. The LNSO, which began in 2021, is strategically designed to enhance the national and European transport networks, promote low-carbon transport, and stimulate regional growth. This article delves into the specifics of the project, its impact, and Systra’s pivotal contributions. The ‘who’ is Systra France and SNCF Réseau, the ‘what’ is the AMO (Assistance to Project Management) contract, the ‘when’ is spanning through 2034, the ‘where’ is primarily in the Southwest of France, the ‘why’ is to reduce travel times and stimulate development, and the ‘how’ involves a complex collaboration of design, construction, and management.

The Scope and Strategic Importance of the New Southwest Line

The LNSO represents a cornerstone of France’s long-term strategy for sustainable transport. The project, with a total route length exceeding 400km, will initially operate in a “Y” configuration. This network promises to alleviate congestion on existing lines, freeing up capacity for freight and regional TER (Transport Express Régional) services, particularly in the bustling metropolitan areas of Bordeaux and Toulouse. The high-speed line builds on the successful Tours–Bordeaux line opened in 2017 and will extend the corridor toward Toulouse and the Spanish border. This expansion includes upgrades to approximately 12km of track south of Bordeaux and 19km north of Toulouse. The ultimate goal is to reduce reliance on road and air travel, offering a low-carbon alternative for both passenger and potentially, freight transport. The project’s completion will provide substantial journey time savings, for instance, shaving off over an hour from travel times between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

Systra’s Comprehensive Role in Project Management

Systra France’s contract encompasses all phases of design and construction through to 2034. Based mainly in Bordeaux and Toulouse, a dedicated team of approximately 100 staff will support SNCF Réseau. The initial phase concentrates on finalizing the program for the Bordeaux–Toulouse section, in preparation for design-build tenders. Systra’s responsibilities extend beyond technical project management assistance; they involve a holistic approach including design oversight, construction management, and ensuring alignment with the project’s economic and environmental objectives. Annelise Baudouin, Director of FIT (Railways) at Systra France, emphasized the significance of the contract, viewing it as recognition of the company’s expertise and as a positive sign for regional employment. They already provided the project management for the infrastructure works in the area since 2021.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of the LNSO Project

The LNSO is firmly rooted in environmental and economic sustainability. The project directly supports the national and European Union’s climate targets by promoting high-speed, low-emission travel. The introduction of a high-speed rail network is expected to shift modal share and reduce emissions associated with air travel and private vehicles. The project is estimated to benefit approximately 12 million residents directly. Furthermore, the initiative will generate up to 10,000 jobs over its lifespan, stimulating the local economy and supporting regional employment. Funding for the LNSO is collaboratively sourced, reflecting the multi-stakeholder nature of the project, from the French government, regional and local authorities, and the European Union.

Key Technical Innovations and Challenges

The successful implementation of the LNSO relies on cutting-edge rail technology and innovative project management strategies. This includes the construction of new high-speed tracks as well as the integration with existing infrastructure. A notable challenge is the need for seamless integration of the new high-speed sections with the existing network, with upgrades to the lines serving the metropolitan areas of Bordeaux and Toulouse. The need for careful planning to minimize disruption to existing services during construction is paramount. The introduction of ETCS (European Train Control System) level 2 or 3 on the lines will be key to increasing capacity and the safety of the system. The complex project requires Systra to use advanced technologies for project tracking, quality control, and risk management across all phases of its involvement.

Conclusion

The award of the LNSO project to Systra France is a testament to their expertise and represents a pivotal moment in the development of high-speed rail in France. This project not only promises enhanced regional connectivity and reduced travel times but also aligns with crucial environmental objectives, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of the transport sector. The successful completion of this project will create a vital high-speed link from Toulouse to Spain, fostering greater integration within the European transport network. For the industry, the project underscores the trend toward sustainable and efficient rail infrastructure, with strong backing from both public and private entities. The future outlook is bright, as projects like the LNSO set a precedent for similar large-scale infrastructure developments across Europe, driving innovation and fostering economic growth and sustainable practices. The success of this project will serve as a blueprint for similar ventures, particularly as railway networks modernize and expand to meet the growing demands of a globalized society. The project shows the critical importance of effective project management in delivering complex, large-scale infrastructure projects.

Company Summary

Systra, founded in 1957, is a global engineering and consulting group specializing in public transport. With expertise across all modes of transport, Systra has a strong track record in rail, urban transport, and road and tunnel infrastructure. They provide a complete set of services, from project conception and design to supervision, commissioning, and maintenance. Their services also include project management, systems engineering, and asset management. Systra is a major player in the railway sector, providing services for high-speed rail, metros, tramways, and conventional rail systems, and is involved in projects worldwide.