Already been chosen to build the first two lines of the Lyon tramway system, Cegelec has been awarded contracts covering the whole electromechanical process of the new tramway line Lea (the traction energy in association with Ineo and the overhead contact line with TSO) and is leading a consortium with Alstom for the construction of the rail signalling.
One specificity of this new line, to be operational by end 2006, is its speed profile with large variations depending on its environment, urban or suburbian. With a typical speed of 35 km/h on shared roads in the city, the tramway quickly reaches 70 km/h outside of the city. Security and operation demands (commercial speed must be guaranteed) require dedicated roads and protected crossings. As a result, for the first time in France, traditional road signalling will be replaced by level crossings protected by barriers which are more commonly used in rail signalling.
Also check the press release for more information.