Great news for tourism in Charente-Limousine

Description:

The disappointing end to the last summer season for the Charente-Limousine railway is all but forgotten, as the association announces new projects for 2009 and the scheduling of repairs to the bridge at Confolens.

As we reported of 25 August last year, the bridge used by the Velo-Rail at Confolens was struck by a lorry, taking it out of service, and trapping rolling stock and maintenance equipment located there. Repairs are scheduled to be completed in time for spring, with insurers due to meet SNCF, RF and other experts in the coming week to resolve issues over repairs and funding. However, the height of the bridge will not be raised to prevent further accidents, as the cost was seen as prohibitive.

 

A recent meeting of the association responsible for the railway, the Chemin de Fer de Charente-Limousine, agreed a programme of further work to be undertaken in 2009 that will improve the visitor experience. They plan to press ahead with the long-awaited tourist train, which will run between Roumazières-Loubert and Confolens, by carrying out the necessary work to upgrade the track and have it certified. They will also look to purchase a further ‘retired' train from SNCF in Lyon, as well as updating the stations at Confolens and Roumazières. A workshop-museum will also be created at Confolens.

 

The projects are expected to cost around 1.4 million euros, and will be partly funded by the region.