After an hiatus of several years, rail freight train traffic has resumed between Arques-la-Bataille and Saint-Aubin-le-Cauf, in Normandy. This is the the result of construction and public works company, Eurovia, switching its transport provision from road to rail.
Launched last week, a twice-monthly round trip service operates between the two points carrying aggregates. Traction is provided by Eurovia’s subsidiary, ETF. After ten years without rail traffic, the line had deteriorated and France’s rail infrastructure manager, SNCF Réseau, undertook initial work to enable traffic to resume, including vegetation control, replacement of sleepers and rails, and the repair of a bridge. This allowed freight trains to be integrated into an already busy network.
Modal shift in Normandy
The return of freight to Arques-la-Bataille illustrates the current momentum in Normandy in terms of rail freight, and SNCF Réseau’s commitment to supporting the development of modal shift in the region, according to Pierre Sablier, regional director, SNCF Réseau Normandie.
“Following the electrification of the Serqueux-Gisors line in 2020, the modal shift of quick lime transport by the Saint-Louis Sucre sugar company based in Étrépagny in 2023, the launch of the Cherbourg–Bayonne road-rail combined transport service and EDF’s announcement, that it will use trains for the Penly (nuclear power) construction site, both in summer 2025, the return of freight to Arques illustrates SNCF Réseau’s ability to support manufacturers in the development of carbon-free logistics.”