Major work is planned on the railway lines: Nice/Breil-sur-Roya and Marseille/Nice. The goal? To modernize the region’s transportation.
A crucial renovation for the Nice-Breil line
Starting in September 2024, the Nice-Breil-sur-Roya railway line will be completely closed for 16 months. Indeed, deep renovation work is necessary. They are essential to secure and modernize this line. Thus, the closure will last from September 4, 2024, to December 14, 2025. This decision, although disruptive to users, aims to accelerate the construction work.
Moreover, a budget of over 130 million euros has been allocated. This is an investment from the State-Region plan, with contributions from Italy. This funding will allow for the restructuring of tunnels, reinforcing of earthworks, and replacement of several bridges. Notably, the vaults of the Braus and Mont-Grazian tunnels will be reinforced. Furthermore, the Calvaire rail bridge in Drap-Cantaron will be replaced.
During the construction period, substitute buses will be provided for users. However, this temporary solution is far from unanimous. Many travelers, already affected by previous disruptions, find the buses too slow and inconvenient for reaching the Nice coastline.
The Ligne Nouvelle Provence Côte d’Azur: a monumental project
In parallel with the work on the Nice-Breil line, the Ligne Nouvelle Provence Côte d’Azur (LNPCA) is set to profoundly transform the railway line between Marseille and Nice. This project is expected to begin in the coming months. The delivery will take place gradually between 2030 and 2035. Moreover, the South Region aims to speed up the realization of this line in preparation for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
As such, the LNPCA plans to introduce three high-speed trains per hour between Marseille and Nice. Additionally, trains will run every ten minutes between Cannes, Nice, and Menton. Furthermore, the project includes the creation of nine new stations. Metropolitan regional express services will also be developed around the urban areas of Aix-Marseille, Toulon, and Nice. This significant increase in rail service is expected to accommodate an additional 23 million passengers per year by 2035.
The LNPCA project is divided into two major phases. First, the initial phase will begin in the second half of 2024. It will focus on creating new tracks at the Nice Airport TGV station. Additionally, improvements are planned at the Marseille Saint-Charles station. Then, the second phase will include complex underground work. This will transform the Saint-Charles station into a through station, thus improving traffic fluidity.
Finally, the total cost of the project is estimated at 3.64 billion euros. It will be funded 40% by local authorities, 40% by the French state, and 20% by European funds.