Upgraded feeder rail line in western France reopens with room for more shippers

The major upgrade of the 30-kilometre rail freight feeder line between Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne and Sablé-sur-Sarthe in western France was officially inaugurated last week following a nine-month closure. The line is critical to industrial rail logistics.

Two companies use the line – waste management group, Séché Environnement and metal products stockists, Maisonneuve. With two weekly services on average, annual traffic was around 73,000 tonnes before the upgrade. This is expected to increase by 15,000 tonnes for Maisonneuve and 12,000 tonnes for Séché Environnement.

Attracting more shippers

The project aimed to ensure the line’s long-term viability at a speed of 40km/hour and attract new shippers. It forms part of an ongoing state-supported programme for the renewal of rail freight infrastructure. The upgrade was financed by the State (35 per cent), the regional public authority (35 per cent) and the remainder by departmental and municipal council bodies.

The cost of the works was approximately 26 million euros, 10 million euros less than initially forecast. This was primarily due to the significant reuse of materials such as rails, ballast and sleepers from passenger lines. The downward trend in the inflation rate was also a factor.

Originating back to the 1870s, the line stopped carrying passengers in 1969 but has continued to facilitate the transport of goods. “It contributes to the region’s economic attractiveness,” underlined Isabelle Delon, SNCF Réseau’s director, Clients and Territories.

“In the absence of motorway access, this feeder line represents a viable solution for the development and competitiveness of our companies. It gives a significant advantage to manufacturers within a radius of more than 60 kilometres,” explained Philippe Henry, mayor of Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne.