Modernization Of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges Technicentre Train Depot — Paris, France

French rail operator SNCF Voyageurs appointed Louis Berger-WSP and Parsons to modernize the Technicentre Villeneuve-Saint-Georges train depot in the Grand Paris area in France. This project represents the largest depot project for SNCF and is the first of its kind in the European region. It upgrades the maintenance infrastructure for trains on lines R and D of Paris, enhancing service reliability for passengers.

Modernizing Rail Infrastructure For Optimal Performance

As part of this project, we delivered a new interlocking system, developed from cost-effective and safe Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), ensuring a safe environment for operators. This system detects whether operators are on top of the train when the catenary wire is above and mitigates electrocution risks through the CTC Control Center.

The upgraded facility efficiently maintains and stores 80 trains, including those for commuters on the Paris mainline. All old rails and catenaries are recycled, with 53,900 units of ballast, 2,500 rails, 30 units of copper catenary wire, and 442 units of miscellaneous large scrap metal, primarily catenary poles, being reused or recycled.

Project Scope: Delivering A State-Of-The-Art Rail Depot At Villeneuve-Saint-Georges Technicentre

Parsons’ scope includes implementing a new signaling system that is cost-effective and meets stringent safety requirements to manage the complex movements of depot trains and the numerous track layouts. This system integrates depot and transit signaling rules, controlled by a control center capable of managing train compositions and movements to the national Ile de France Mobilité Paris mainline network.

We are responsible for overall systems delivery, and adapting the existing depot for the new trains; specifically:

• Signaling renewal on site
• Track works on site
• Fixed installations for electrical traction
• Entry and exit track connections to the national railway network
• Low Voltage (LV) systems
• Washing machines for the rolling stock
• Test benches in the workshop
• Tracks in the stabling areas
• Program management of systems

Critical to the project’s success is maintaining continuous operations on nearby tracks while modernization work is underway. To avoid disrupting or halting depot operations, the team plans and coordinates project activities meticulously. Part of this plan requires a certain level of flexibility to enable the team to promptly address any unforeseen circumstances. This allows the team to implement robust safety protocols to protect both workers and ongoing train operations.

Our Approach To Sustainability At Villeneuve-Saint-Georges Technicentre

The project emphasizes sustainability by reusing catenary row materials and track devices, such as point machines, rails, and slippers, aligning with Parsons’ commitment to environmental stewardship.

SNCF mandates the incorporation of sustainability into the project’s products and solutions. Vendors are required to comply with these sustainability standards, and those with the best recycling and reuse solutions are selected. This collaborative effort ensures the project is delivered with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

The project requires the creation of a model using Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a digital twin to accurately reflect the site’s configuration and interfaces. This model serves as a comprehensive reference for the various stakeholders involved to implement their solutions, such as installing pipes, cables, and other infrastructure components.

Supporting Urban Growth With Digital Twin Technology

This project is led by SNCF Voyagers, a client that is implementing the digital twin improvements to support the Grand Paris extension and the consequential improved performances requested for the city growth. We have also been involved in other digital twin improvements on the NEXTEO and OCTYS urban networks in Paris.