Storm Darragh. No trains in Normandy this weekend: when will traffic resume?

Sunday 08th December 2024 11:32 AM

“SNCF agents are, at this moment, fully mobilized for the rehabilitation of the installations”, announces the SNCF, on its networks, this Sunday, December 8, 2024. This weekend, no trains are running on the entire Nomad railway network, in Normandy. The storm Darragh which sweeps the region, making teams fear “falling debris, trees and branches which could have significant consequences on train traffic”. “For the safety of travelers and staff”, the SNCF suspended rail traffic in the five Normandy departments for two days.

Read also: Storm Darragh. Damage, power cuts and floods in Normandy this Sunday

30 trains, 100 agents and loggers, 60 fallen trees and obstacles

Since daybreak this Sunday, nearly thirty reconnaissance trains have been crisscrossing the Normandy roads with nearly a hundred agents and loggers mandated by SNCF Réseau on board. Nearly sixty trees, tree branches and various obstacles fell onto the tracks.

The logger teams are mobilized this Sunday, December 8, 2024, on the Normandy lines to prune and clear the tracks. | SNCF NETWORK

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The logger teams are mobilized this Sunday, December 8, 2024, on the Normandy lines to prune and clear the tracks. | SNCF NETWORK

As discoveries are made, the teams carry out pruning work. “The objective is to put rail traffic back into service on Monday December 9 as soon as possible,” announced SNCF Nomad train on X this Sunday. This is particularly the case between Trouville and Lisieux and Caen and Cherbourg.

A trampoline which fell on the tracks between Alençon and Surdon, in Orne, had to be removed. | SNCF NETWORK

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A trampoline which fell on the tracks between Alençon and Surdon, in Orne, had to be removed. | SNCF NETWORK

Major repair work

But on certain lines, repair work will take longer than expected. This is particularly the case between Rouen and Le Havre. “A local resident’s tree bent a catenary pole in its fall”, underlines Vincent Palix, Normandy SNCF Réseau territorial director. No trains will run on this line on Monday.

“Substitute coaches are currently being sought by the @SNCFVoyageurs teams to provide some connections between Le Havre and Yvetot (then rail service between Yvetot and Rouen) but to date there is no guarantee of being able to travel. Travelers wishing to travel on this axis are invited to postpone their trip,” indicates the SNCF. The resumption of traffic is hoped for Tuesday September 10, 2024 on this line.

To find out more about train traffic this Monday, SNCF invites travelers to consult the SNCF Nomad train website at the end of the day or to contact the SNCF Nomad train X wire.