On the night of November 4 to 5, an important step in making the platforms of Montauban station in Tarn-et-Garonne accessible was reached, with the installation of the deck of the pedestrian bridge.
This key element of the project now spans the two railway lines served by platforms 1 and 2 at Montauban station (Tarn-et-Garonne). Ultimately, the work will be completed with two large elevators, each with a capacity of 1,000 kg. This delicate operation, carried out successfully, constitutes a new step towards making Montauban station completely accessible.
Significant mobilization of resources to assemble and install the work
The operation had been in preparation for several weeks. The elements of the work had been transported by exceptional road convoys from their manufacturing plant in Quincieux (69 – Rhône), to be stored and assembled on site.
On November 5 at midnight, the 300-ton crane mobilized for the occasion started moving, lifting then placing the two pillars of the future structure on their site. What followed was the most delicate operation, namely craning the deck, in order to position it and place it on the pillars. This very impressive phase requires millimeter precision, the crane maneuvering an element weighing nearly 28 tonnes.
After 5 hours of work, the operation was successfully completed at 4 a.m., allowing the first trains of the day to run on schedule, without any impact on passengers.
The next few nights will be devoted to blocking, adjusting and consolidating all the elements, to ensure optimal safety and quality of the structure.
A complete project which provides for raised and renovated platforms, with modern equipment
This operation is part of a comprehensive program to make the station platforms accessible, including other achievements such as:
- the partial raising of platforms 1 and 2 to align them with the train door thresholds along their entire length.
- the repair of the surfacing and coatings, with the installation of concrete awareness strips on the ground and orientation strips for visually impaired and blind people.
- the installation of security equipment, including the installation of fences at the ends of the platforms, the modernization of furniture, lighting and passenger information equipment.
- the creation of a new shelter on platform no. 2 for better waiting comfort.
- the redevelopment of access to platform 3
In accordance with the planned schedule, the work will end in spring 2025.
The entire project is being carried out at night, in order to maintain the same railway and pedestrian services to the station during the day, for the benefit of passengers.
Funding
All operations represent a total investment of 12 million euros. Carried out as part of the national accessibility master plan, this accessibility of the station is made possible thanks to two-thirds co-financing from the State and SNCF Gares & Connexions for the remaining third.
