The major stage in the development of Dijon (Côte-d’Or) station to facilitate access to platforms for people with disabilities will end on August 29. The work began on July 3.
Users of Dijon train station (SNCF) will have noticed the workload that accompanies usual rail traffic. Closed access, reduced space in the corridors or regulation of the direction of movement to avoid traffic jams of passengers and suitcases, since July 3, the major site has disrupted the habits of travelers. But for a good cause since it promotes the future access of people with disabilities to the various platforms.
And users can be reassured. The first phase of the work will end on August 29th. It mobilized 70 workers every day. “We spent 8 weeks working continuously, day and night, to be able to make the station accessible. The work will not be finished at the end of August, but most of it will be done”, details Ada Rossi, prime contractor for SNCF Réseau. From August 30, the work will be carried out mainly at night, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., until the beginning of the year 2022.
All platforms equipped with an access ramp
2 of the 5 platforms at Dijon station already had ramps to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility. Once the initial stage of this work is completed, the other 3 platforms will be fitted out with the installation of 2 ramps and the creation of elevator pits. The second period of the work involves the installation of the elevators as well as shelters for the travelers, the finishing of the walls and the floors of the access ramps.
In total, the works require 39.4 million euros, funded by the State up to 56%, the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region (39%) and the metropolis of Dijon (5%). A necessary investment according to Jérôme Grand, regional director of SNCF Réseau in the region: “It’s accessibility for the train for all since whatever their disability, we can access Dijon station and take the train. This is an essential societal element”.
The budget for the work of Dijon station.
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© Guillaume Desmalles / France Televisions
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Work that facilitates travel within the station but also ensures the comfort and safety of the 16,000 daily travelers who take the train in Dijon. “I appreciate !, confides a user who welcomes the fact that she no longer has to take the stairs with her suitcases. Since the time that one asks for them we the Dijonese! “. “We will take the train more easily than the car. My husband at 94 years old, it is a security for us to take the train”, adds another lady.
From the start of the school year, Dijon station will then return to optimal operation, in particular with the re-establishment of access to the car park from September 6. At the end of October, TER traffic reduced by 25% during the works will also return to normal.
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