SNCF Network successfully completed electrification of the 72km Gretz-Armanvilliers - Nogent-sur-Seine section of the Paris - Troyes main line, plus the 7km branch from Longueville to Provins, over the weekend of July 2-3.
The infrastructure manager has also built a new computerised signalling centre at Gretz.
A series of tests is now set to take place ahead of the introduction of the new signalling system this autumn.
Electrification will allow class Z50000 Francilien EMUs to replace bi-mode class B82500 Coradia Liner trains on Paris Est - Provins Line P from December. The Class B85000 trains used on the Paris - Troyes - Belfort - Mulhouse service will switch from electric to diesel mode at Nogent-sur-Seine instead of Gretz.
The catenary will be extended by another 56km from Nogent-sur-Seine to Troyes in a second phase with work starting in late 2024.
