After almost four years of intensive project work – from the initial development and design meetings through planning and installation to the final training and commissioning – the major EOLE (Est-Ouest Liaison Express) tunnel project in Paris is now complete.
A total of 16 kilometres of rigid overhead conductor rails were installed in the tunnel that connects the Haussmann Saint-Lazare and Nanterre – La Folie stations. The project involved taking various tunnel profiles into account, including at La Défense (below the Paris La Défense Arena) and Porte Maillot stations. One of the key challenges in the design process was the reduced number of support points, especially at Porte Maillot station. Daniele Apicella and his team from Furrer+Frey Italy were responsible for engineering and execution, while Furrer+Frey Switzerland and CEO Rico Furrer were involved in all technical and strategic matters.
Effective collaboration between Furrer+Frey Italy and Furrer+Frey Switzerland and all the departments and specialists concerned was of vital importance when it came to making the project a success. The drafting and modification of construction plans, planning, dynamic simulations, material procurement in multiple stages and extensive training both in Switzerland and on site were all the result of the joint commitment of many of our specialists.
As partner of the consortium for railway technology between Eiffage and TSO, we worked closely together to meet the high demands of our end client SNCF, who was always open to our suggestions and recommendations. The close collaboration was also instrumental in ensuring that the project was able to be completed within the specified timeframe.
The extension of the RER E line from Haussmann Saint-Lazare westwards to Porte Maillot is closely linked to existing RER and Metro lines and serves hundreds of thousands of passengers every day. This project underlines the importance of the line for the Île-de-France region, and Furrer+Frey is proud to have helped ensure its successful completion.
The new route from Haussmann Saint-Lazare to Nanterre – La Folie via Porte Maillot and La Défense was commissioned on schedule, in time for the 2024 Olympic Games.
More information about the project: RER EOLE website
