Rail links between Lorraine and the South-East via Lyon are impacted by the line also being a major European freight route. Consequently, any solutions for saving time on travelers’ trips between Toul and Dijon must factor in the need to maintain the current level of service for freight.
For this project, there were two additional challenges: improving Epinal’s connection to the regional and interregional rail network, and making the most of developments in the high-speed network. The launch of the East and then West and South branches of the Rhine-Rhone high-speed line has significantly changed the rail map, offering an opportunity for Lorraine to meet two objectives: improving the Epinal-Belfort service and providing a link to high-speed rail in the Belfort area (by a connecting service or junction).
Improved performance here has offered three main benefits:
• Linking destinations in the Vosges department
• Improving North-South travel for travelers in Lorraine
• Connecting to the future high-speed network
