The train of the Mont-Blanc valleys
History and engineering of Mont-Blanc Express

The climb under the Égratz viaduct

Immediately after Chedde, the line goes into steep slopes, which quickly reach the record value of 90 mm/m (9 %). Indeed, it needs to climb up a gorge in a tough environnement. The road faces the same conditions, and in the 1970s an elevated expressway was built above the Chedde chemical plant: the Égratz viaduct. The railway climbs under the viaduct on some distance, up to Égratz tunnel that crosses a rocky spur. The railway then continues its 90 mm/m ascent.

Ascent under viaduc des Égratz
Ascent under viaduc des Égratz After Chedde, the track climbs a steep slope. We can see the piles of the viaduct in the background.
the track passes near the chemical plant. In the background, one can see the Égratz viaduct.
the track passes near the chemical plant. In the background, one can see the Égratz viaduct.
A Z 850 EMU runs along the chemical plant in Chedde.
A Z 850 EMU runs along the chemical plant in Chedde.
A Z 850 EMU runs along the chemical plant in Chedde.
A Z 850 EMU runs along the chemical plant in Chedde.
At kilometer marker 4.409, the track crosses the Arve on Pont des Égratz, a metal bridge, and then a tunnel goes through a rocky ridge. The feeder goes over the ridge. The expressway climbs on its right.
At kilometer marker 4.409, the track crosses the Arve on Pont des Égratz, a metal bridge, and then a tunnel goes through a rocky ridge. The feeder goes over the ridge. The expressway climbs on its right. Auteur : David Gubler.
Close-up of the the railway bridge at Les Égratz.
Close-up of the the railway bridge at Les Égratz.
Last update: 12 August 2023. © Christophe Jacquet, 2000-2023. Legal and terms of use. Contact. Site map.
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