integrating the network in lifestyle choices

The management of rail impacts on human and natural environments leads to a high level of responsibility on the part of Réseau Ferré de France. The development of rail transport indeed appears to be inseparable from a good insertion of the network in lifestyle choices.

Applying a consultation policy, increasing the level of safety of the network, better understanding the dynamics of ecosystems to preserve biodiversity: these are our everyday priorities for rail, in a spirit that promotes the finding of shared solutions.

 

The participation of stakeholders in reflections about rail projects is inseparable from any work concerning sustainable development. A strong consultation policy makes it possible to better establish the legitimacy of projects that affect the future, at a local, national and European level.

Concerns about the possibility of a new large infrastructure constantly remind us of the need for participation and listening.
Réseau Ferré de France has consolidated its consultation experience at every development phase of a new railway line.
Feedback shows that complete and established devices are necessary. These include themed and pluralistic workshops on urban planning, the environment and real estate, but also public information and consultation.

A champion of innovation, Réseau Ferré de France is the only contractor to organise consultations post public debate with a guarantor named in conjunction with the National commission for public debate.

For more information on concertation

 

Through its structure, the national rail network has various impacts on fauna and flora which require specific attention and must always be better assessed by Réseau Ferré de France.

Within the network development activities, we give priority to preventing impacts on the natural environment, from the very start of project design. At each stage, the impacts that may be avoided are reduced or give rise to compensation. Other support measures highlight sites of ecological interest close to new lines.

The measures put in place are the result of thirty years of progress in environmental integration engineering, illustrated by the 88 fauna crossings of the Eastern branch of the Rhine-Rhone high speed line, currently under construction. Many other examples testify to this dynamic and illustrate our efforts to develop ecological management modes.

 

The rail system presents a very high level of safety for its users. Even though the number of people killed on the French rail network has continuously decreased over the past ten years, Réseau Ferré de France is pursuing a proactive action to reduce risk, in order to continue making progress in this area.

Accidents arising on the network are due to non compliance with safety rules, such as the intrusion onto tracks or going past the barriers at railway crossings once they are down. The priority therefore is refitting or removing the most dangerous railway crossings.
Refitting consists of for instance, improving the visibility of traffic lights, reducing the speed of road users close to the crossing, improving road signs, or removing the railway crossing, by modifying the road itinerary or by creating a bridge or underground passage.

In 2009, over 46 million Euro were invested in removing 6 railway crossings, refitting 18 of them and the overall safety of the network.