The Railway Gazette reported that RFF has awarded a major civil works contract for Phase 2 of LGV Est européene, the high speed line connecting Paris with Strasbourg.

The 7.5 kilometers Lot 47 is to be built by the Dodin Campenon Bernard Construction joint venture including Spie Batignolles, Vinci and Cegelec under a contract worth EUR 184.3 million.

Lot 47 includes one of the major structures on Phase 2, the 4 kilometers twin bore Saverne tunnel under the Vosges mountains. There is also a 270 meters viaduct over the course of the Haspelbaechel.

With work now underway on lots 41, 42, 43A and 44, RFF hopes to award the remaining five civil works contracts for Phase 2 by the start of 2011. Running for 106 kilometers from Baudrecourt to Vendenheim, the new line will cut Paris to Strasbourg journey times by a further 30 minutes.

(Sourced from www.railwaygazette.com)