Because of the Covid-19 crisis, work had to stop
for several weeks. Will this have an impact on the
planned completion dates of the lines?
The six-week interruption was followed by a very
gradual resumption of work, which only returned to
cruising speed in the summer. During the lockdowns,
we rescheduled work that could have been
particularly disruptive for local residents. The public
health situation is still unstable and is impacting on
our operations.
For example, delays may occur in the delivery of
materials. We do not yet have visibility of all the
consequences. We estimate the delay linked to
the crisis will be between three and eight months,
depending on the site. We are working with the
various groups of developers to find solutions to
make up for this delay. The professionalism of
all those involved in dealing with these constraints
and in complying with all the measures deployed on
the worksites to protect against coronavirus must be
commended.
To meet this challenge, twenty tunnel boring
machines were already in operation at the end of
2020. This is unprecedented. What do you think
about this level of activity?
Underground work is amazing. It requires a high level
of professionalism, extreme precision, particularly
when it comes to operating the tunnel boring
machines. And of course, all those working on this
project feel that they are taking part in an
extraordinary human adventure and rightly so.
We share this pride. But despite all the technological
prowess, despite the colossal stakes that are regularly
highlighted, safety must be our priority at all times.
It must guide our every move, it must inform every
decision we make. We must never let routine set in,
never let our guard down. Not on our worksites,
nor anywhere near them. Our work takes place in
highly populated urban areas, and the tunnel boring
machines are cutting through often complex
geological environments that can throw up all kinds
of hazards. The risks are varied, numerous and
ever-present. On 22 December, a tragic accident
occurred at the right-of-way of the Verdun structure
on line 16. It was a terrible experience.
At a time when the peak of the work underground is
just round the corner, I ask everyone to remain vigilant
and focused. This is an absolute must.
We were also proud to attend the opening, on
14 December, of the extension of this line between
Saint-Lazare and Mairie de Saint-Ouen, to which
Société du Grand Paris made a significant financial
contribution (almost 60%).
It is now down to us to continue the civil engineering
work on this line as far as Saint-Denis Pleyel, where
it will connect with Lines 15, 16 and 17.
Société du Grand Paris has chosen a design-build
approach for the eastern and western sections
of line 15. Where are you with this?
Here too, we achieved some important milestones
in 2020. Competitive dialogue procedures were
initiated for the sections of this bypass between
Pont de Sèvres and La Défense, to the west, and
between Champigny-sur-Marne and Bobigny
Pablo-Picasso, to the east. The studies relating to
the relocation of La Défense station have been
completed and the additional public consultation
will take place in 2021.
"Safety must guide our every move, inform every decision."
"I would also like to recognise the progress made at the worksites for line 14 South, where RATP has now taken over as programme manager."
IDENTITY
Management Board
CSR APPROACH
RISKS AND CHALLENGES
2020 ACTIVITY