The safety and traffic management systems (interlockings) have reached the end of their service life and need to be replaced.

In addition, not all stations are accessible to people with reduced mobility and people travelling with pushchairs or suitcases.

The Broye modernisation project has two components:

• Renewal of the interlocking system; (Network-Wide Automation (ATR))
• Ensuring stations are DDA-compliant.

These works will improve service regularity and access to trains for all.

Safety will also be improved in and around stations. In addition, the project will improve the robustness of the infrastructure through modernisation and stabilise the existing timetable.

It will be possible to optimise the time necessary for blocking level crossings following the renewal of the interlocking system controlling these 90km of lines.

This work is a prerequisite for any future development in the Broye region.

The project to modernise the Broye lines involves upgrading 90 kilometres of track and transforming 12 stations in order to improve timetable stability, rail safety and passenger comfort:

• Modernisation of tracks.
• Automated traffic management from Lausanne to replace manual operation of the points, most of which date back to the 1960s and 1970s (replacement of 17 obsolete interlockings and construction of 8 new service buildings).
• 12 stations to be made DDA-compliant in order to facilitate access to the railway infrastructure for all.
• 63 level crossings to be modified.
• Numerous related projects, including the renewal of numerous structures (the bridge over the Arbogne, aqueducts, walls, supporting banks, etc.).

Manage traffic more efficiently, stabilise the timetable and make the network more robust.

Traffic on the Broye lines is currently managed locally by 17 obsolete interlockings. In order to improve traffic flow and continue to ensure the safety of users, the lines will be automated. They will be controlled remotely from the Lausanne operations centre, which is responsible for all rail traffic in French-speaking Switzerland. However, this automation will require the renewal of the safety installations on the lines, such as the cables, signalling, points motors and level crossings.

These new installations will be housed in eight service buildings which will be built at Châtillens, Moudon, Granges-Marnand, Estavayer, Payerne, Grolley, Avenches and Morat. The various equipment needed to monitor the lines will be installed there.

Ensuring access to trains for all.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires barrier-free access to platforms and trains. This is why SBB is continually adapting stations, infrastructure, rolling stock and passenger information.

The Broye modernisation project involves making the following stations and stops DDA-compliant:

• Palézieux-Village
• Châtillens
• Estavayer-le-Lac
• Henniez
• Moudon
• Granges-Marnand
• Corcelles-Nord
• Domdidier
• Yverdon-Champ Pittet
• Faoug
• Muntelier-Löwenberg
• Avenches

During various discussions with the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), it was agreed that – in addition to the adjustments initially planned – further improvements would be made over the next few years to facilitate access to trains for people with reduced mobility, such as adapting secondary station entrances.

Integrating these measures has required additional resources and studies, which have led to a new implementation schedule. As a result, some stations will be adapted after 2023.

In the meantime, as of 1 January 2024, SBB will ensure that stations are DDA-compliant by means of alternative measures, which will be maintained until the stations have been fully converted. These measures are still being developed and will be validated by the FOT in the near future.

To ensure that operations are not completely disrupted during the works, the project is divided into three sections, each of which can operate independently.

• Section 1: Palézieux–Payerne (excluding Payerne)
• Section 2: Payerne–Kerzers (excluding Payerne)
• Section 3: Cheyres-Châbles–Payerne–Givisiez

The total cost of these works is more than CHF 250 million.

Financing is provided under the SBB service agreement.

Modernisation of the Broye lines began in the summer of 2023 with the first alterations to Palézieux-Village and Châtillens stations. Since November 2023, work has also been taking place at Moudon station.

On the stretch of track between Palézieux and Moudon, the first works planned on 15km of track will link the facilities that keep the trains running to the operating centre in Lausanne.

The works will require total closure to traffic on certain sections and during certain periods. A replacement bus service will be provided.

During these interruptions, and in order to reduce the impact on customers, related projects are carried out, as well as the maintenance of railway installations. The planning of interruptions takes into account the economic and agricultural needs of the region.

SBB recommends consulting the online timetable before each journey at sbb.chLink opens in new window.. Further information is available from SBB passenger centres and the SBB Contact Center (0848 44 66 88, CHF 0.08/min).

SBB AG
Infrastructure Projects
1020 Renens

Julien Richard, Project Manager for Network-Wide Automation (ATR)
Christian Müller, Project Manager for DDA Station Compliance
modernisationbroye@cff.chLink opens in new window.

Media contact:
presse@cff.chLink opens in new window.