Major Rail Disruption for Lyon-Turin Interconnection Project
Chambéry, September 7, 2026 – A significant disruption to rail services is scheduled between Chambéry and Modane from September 11 to October 9, 2026. This month-long interruption is critical for the final phase of the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne rail interconnection project, a key component of the broader Lyon-Turin high-speed rail link.
SNCF Réseau, in charge of this phase, will utilize the four-week window to complete the necessary operations for the commissioning of a new platform. This infrastructure is essential for the future line that will provide access to the Mont-Cenis base tunnel, while ensuring the continued functionality of the existing historical line between Culoz and Modane.
Project Overview and Progress
The Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne interconnection project is a collaborative effort, with Telt, the contracting authority for the cross-border section, entrusting SNCF Réseau with its execution. The goal is to integrate the new high-speed line with the existing network efficiently.
The second phase of works commenced in 2023, following the successful commissioning of the transitional Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne multimodal exchange hub in 2022. This phase is slated for completion this year, culminating in the upcoming service interruption.
Key achievements in this phase include the installation of the first deck of the viaduct over the Arvan river in late 2024 and the construction of the initial section of a passage for RD906 users beneath the future railway tracks. The new line’s platform is now equipped with its railway installations, setting the stage for the final integration works.
Scope of the Interconnection Works
The rail interconnection at Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is a project of considerable scale and complexity. It involves the use of over 1.5 million cubic meters of backfill, much of which comes from the excavation of the Mont-Cenis base tunnel. The extensive infrastructure includes approximately 15 kilometers of retaining walls, ten kilometers of acoustic screens, and 30 kilometers of new tracks and catenaries.
Furthermore, six new railway bridges are part of the design, notably the viaduct spanning the Arvan and structures for the future international station of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, positioned beneath the tracks of the historic line.
Minimizing Impact and Future Outlook
The decision to implement a continuous, concentrated work schedule during this four-week shutdown aims to minimize the overall impact on both passenger and freight traffic. This strategic approach allows for the efficient execution of critical tasks that cannot be performed while trains are running.
Once this phase is complete, the Lyon-Turin project will move closer to its operational goals, promising enhanced rail connectivity and capacity across the Alps. The long-term benefits are expected to include faster and more efficient transport of goods and passengers between France and Italy, reducing road congestion and environmental impact.
Local authorities and SNCF Réseau have advised passengers to seek alternative travel arrangements and consult updated schedules for the affected period. Information regarding replacement bus services or alternative routes will be made available closer to the interruption date.
Source: mesinfos.fr
