Because of the Covid-19 crisis, work had to stop

for several weeks. Will this have an impact on the

planned completion dates of the lines?

The six-week interruption was followed by a very

gradual resumption of work, which only returned to

cruising speed in the summer. During the lockdowns,

we rescheduled work that could have been

particularly disruptive for local residents. The public

health situation is still unstable and is impacting on

our operations.

For example, delays may occur in the delivery of

materials. We do not yet have visibility of all the

consequences. We estimate the delay linked to

the crisis will be between three and eight months,

depending on the site. We are working with the

various groups of developers to find solutions to

make up for this delay. The professionalism of

all those involved in dealing with these constraints

and in complying with all the measures deployed on

the worksites to protect against coronavirus must be

commended.

To meet this challenge, twenty tunnel boring

machines were already in operation at the end of

2020. This is unprecedented. What do you think

about this level of activity?

Underground work is amazing. It requires a high level

of professionalism, extreme precision, particularly

when it comes to operating the tunnel boring

machines. And of course, all those working on this

project feel that they are taking part in an

extraordinary human adventure – and rightly so.

We share this pride. But despite all the technological

prowess, despite the colossal stakes that are regularly

highlighted, safety must be our priority at all times.

It must guide our every move, it must inform every

decision we make. We must never let routine set in,

never let our guard down. Not on our worksites,

nor anywhere near them. Our work takes place in

highly populated urban areas, and the tunnel boring

machines are cutting through often complex

geological environments that can throw up all kinds

of hazards. The risks are varied, numerous and

ever-present. On 22 December, a tragic accident

occurred at the right-of-way of the Verdun structure

on line 16. It was a terrible experience.

At a time when the peak of the work underground is

just round the corner, I ask everyone to remain vigilant

and focused. This is an absolute must.

We were also proud to attend the opening, on

14 December, of the extension of this line between

Saint-Lazare and Mairie de Saint-Ouen, to which

Société du Grand Paris made a significant financial

contribution (almost 60%).

It is now down to us to continue the civil engineering

work on this line as far as Saint-Denis Pleyel, where

it will connect with Lines 15, 16 and 17.

Société du Grand Paris has chosen a design-build

approach for the eastern and western sections

of line 15. Where are you with this?

Here too, we achieved some important milestones

in 2020. Competitive dialogue procedures were

initiated for the sections of this bypass between

Pont de Sèvres and La Défense, to the west, and

between Champigny-sur-Marne and Bobigny

Pablo-Picasso, to the east. The studies relating to

the relocation of La Défense station have been

completed and the additional public consultation

will take place in 2021.

"Safety must guide our every move, inform every decision."

"I would also like to recognise the progress made at the worksites for line 14 South, where RATP has now taken over as programme manager."

IDENTITY

Management Board

CSR APPROACH

RISKS AND CHALLENGES

2020 ACTIVITY