Rail traffic between Lison and Cherbourg has been suspended since 11 January after a freight train derailed near Carentan station in the Manche department, according to SNCF Réseau and the Normandy regional authority.
The derailed train comprised 17 wagons carrying 34 semi-trailers. Initial inspections identified extensive damage to the track, ballast and catenary, prompting SNCF Réseau to plan a recovery and repair programme expected to last several weeks. The investigation into the causes of the derailment began on 12 January.
Train recovery operations started in mid-January using two heavy-duty Kirow rail cranes, one owned by SNCF Réseau and one by contractor TSO. Around 100 personnel have been assigned to the lifting operation, which involves removing the semi-trailers first, followed by the wagons. SNCF Réseau said the use of two cranes in parallel is intended to shorten the overall duration of the recovery phase.
Once the line is cleared, infrastructure works will include renewing the track and ballast over the damaged section, repairing overhead line equipment, and carrying out interventions on the adjacent track. SNCF Réseau estimates the combined recovery and repair works at around EUR 10 m, with night-time working planned to accelerate the timetable.
As of 22 January, SNCF Réseau reported that partial reopening on a single track is planned before the weekend of 14–15 February, with full double-track operation expected after a further six weeks of works.
To maintain passenger mobility, SNCF Voyageurs has implemented a replacement bus service between Caen and Cherbourg, supplemented by reinforced rail services between Caen, Lison and Saint-Lô. Bus frequencies have been increased progressively, with up to 32 vehicles in weekday operation and higher capacity on Fridays, while connection times to Paris-bound services from Caen have been adjusted.
