Colas Rail, working in a joint venture with Colas and Colas GC, has been awarded a €40.6 million contract by Île-de-France Mobilités to deliver key infrastructure for the extension of the T13 tram line between Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Achères in the Yvelines department of France.
The project marks another significant milestone for the consortium, which previously contributed to the first phase of the T13 line connecting Saint-Cyr-l'École and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The new extension will enhance public transport connectivity across the region, providing residents with a more sustainable alternative to car travel while improving links to major rail services, including RER A, RER E, and Transilien L and J.
Construction work commenced at the end of June, with the project expected to support around 150 jobs at peak delivery.
Extensive Track and Station Works
The contract encompasses the design and construction of track infrastructure, overhead line equipment and associated civil engineering works.
Key rail infrastructure elements include:
- Installation of 11.4km of single-track railway
- Construction of 6.2km of conventional concrete track
- Installation of 3.8km of ballasted track
- Delivery of four track switches, comprising two concrete crossovers and two simple ballasted turnouts
- Construction of four new tram stations
- Installation of both mineral and green platform surfacing
Alongside the railway works, the consortium will carry out a range of utility and highway infrastructure activities, including demolition, earthworks, drainage systems, utility diversions and the installation of over 8,000 metres of utility networks.
Major Overhead Line Installation
A significant element of the contract involves the delivery of the overhead contact line (OCL) system across six sectors of the route.
The scope includes:
- Detailed design studies
- Construction of 241 catenary foundations, including 31 micropile foundations
- Installation of painted base plates
- Erection of 250 support structures carrying 471 suspension points
- Supply and installation of 15km of contact wire
- Delivery of 12.5km of equipotential bonding and MANT systems
- Testing, inspection and commissioning activities
Sustainability at the Forefront
Environmental performance has been embedded within the project design. Colas Rail will deploy its patented permeable green track-in-trough system, which the company says delivers a 27% lower carbon footprint compared with conventional track construction methods.
Material recycling and reuse will also play a central role. Demolition materials will be processed through the nearby Tersen recycling facility, part of the Colas Group, enabling significant volumes of waste to be diverted from landfill. Recovered materials will additionally be reused in temporary roads and site access routes wherever possible.
Strong Community and Social Value Commitments
The scheme also carries a substantial social value programme. The project team has committed to employing people through reintegration and inclusion initiatives, helping create employment opportunities for those furthest from the labour market.
In addition, a dedicated public engagement campaign will be launched to keep local residents informed about construction progress and minimise disruption during delivery.
With enhanced connectivity, lower-carbon construction methods and a strong social value agenda, the T13 extension represents a key investment in sustainable transport infrastructure for the Paris region.
Image credit: iStock
