An innovative lifting solution using an Enerpac gantry and turntable is enabling the rapid renewal of the historic Souverains railway viaduct in central Paris. The project, led by Bouygues Travaux Publics Régions France with heavy lifting specialist Mediaco Heavy Lift, involves replacing the bridge decks supporting 13 railway tracks carrying around 1,600 trains daily.
Built in 1868, the ageing viaduct required the replacement of 25 bridge decks to secure the reliability and safety of the Paris rail network. To minimize disruption, work has been carried out over nine months, with the “Léonard” lifting system enabling deck replacement from below, without removing overhead power lines.
The system, mounted on RER C tracks, combines an Enerpac SL200 hydraulic gantry and ETT400 turntable to lift and precisely position new decks weighing up to 52 tonnes. Mediaco’s skidding system ensured final alignment.
During the May and August bank holidays, Mediaco replaced old decks with new 9.33 m by 3.74 m concrete sections. The last 14 inner decks were installed in August using the Léonard system, while outer decks were placed by crane.
“The Léonard system based on our Enerpac gantry and turntable allowed us to keep to schedule while ensuring maximum safety,” said Mediaco’s head of engineering and design.
The full renovation of the Souverains viaduct is scheduled for completion in November 2025.
