The Nancy-Contrexéville line is reborn: works officially under way in Mirecourt
Announced by the Grand Est Region in June 2024, the project to reopen the Nancy-Mirecourt-Vittel-Contrexéville railway line has now entered a decisive operational phase with the official launch of the works. This milestone gives practical effect to the Region's commitment to improving accessibility and connectivity across local communities while strengthening their attractiveness. By restoring rail to a central role in mobility and local development, the project will also provide a major boost to the economy and tourism, particularly the spa sector and the profile of Vittel and Contrexéville.
Mirecourt on 22 January 2026, Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est Region, and Thierry Bodard, President of Nova 14 and NGE Concessions – the project company’s largest shareholder – officially launched this major scheme supporting sustainable mobility, improved regional connectivity and economic development across southern Lorraine.
Eighteen months after the concession agreement awarded by the Grand Est Region to the Nova 14 consortium came into force, this milestone marks the transition from planning to delivery. The objective remains unchanged: to reopen the line and resume rail services once the works have been completed.
A historic investment connecting local communities
Partially closed since 2016, the line is benefiting from an overall investment of EUR 150 million funded by the Grand Est Region under a concession agreement awarded to the Nova 14 project company, comprising NGE Concessions (50%), Transdev (20%) and Banque des Territoires (30%).
This pioneering scheme is based on an integrated concession model – the first of its kind in France for a railway line of this nature – bringing together financing, design, works, maintenance and operations. Presented in 2024, this strategic approach is now moving into delivery with the start of construction.
Once completed, the upgraded line will offer 30 return services per day, serve 12 stations along 75 kilometres of renewed track and connect Nancy with Contrexéville in 1 hour 10 minutes. Nearly 500,000 passengers are expected to use the line each year.
The works began on 17 December 2025, following receipt of all administrative approvals, and are being delivered by an all-NGE consortium led by TSO, the Group’s rail subsidiary. The programme includes the comprehensive renewal of the railway infrastructure, modernisation of equipment, improvements to level-crossing safety, and the adaptation of stations and stops to meet passengers’ future needs.
(Technical details of the works are provided in the appendices.)
As part of the reopening programme, 21 level crossings will be closed and 43 will be upgraded and automated, including facilities for walking and cycling.
NGE is deploying its multi-expertise model to provide an integrated solution for a scheme that will play a major role in mobility across the region.
An exemplary environmental approach
The renewal of the line is firmly aligned with the ecological transition, material reuse and support for regional industrial supply chains. Nearly 18,000 tonnes of material recovered from the former infrastructure will be recycled or recovered, reducing the environmental footprint of the works while supporting the local economy. A detailed list of the supply chains and production sites is provided in the appendices.
Mirecourt: the future operational heart of the line
The project also includes the construction in Mirecourt of a modern maintenance and stabling facility designed by JFS Architectes.
This 16,500 sq m facility will become a strategic hub for the future operation of the line. It will accommodate technical installations and operational teams and will incorporate 300 sq m of photovoltaic panels, contributing to the project’s overall environmental performance.
A major driver of employment and regional attractiveness
Beyond the infrastructure itself, the project will provide a major boost to employment and local attractiveness. Up to 300 people will be mobilised during the works phase, with 10% of working hours allocated to employment-inclusion schemes, generating significant economic benefits for the communities concerned.
Mirecourt will also host the line’s operational teams, with around 65 permanent employees. Recruitment linked directly to operations will represent approximately 60 jobs, including train driving, maintenance and operations roles.
Working with France Travail, the Grand Est Region launched an ambitious training and employment-support programme in 2025 for people entering or returning to work. The initiative is intended to anticipate skills needs, secure career pathways and ensure that the jobs created remain firmly rooted in the local area.
This pioneering project demonstrates that innovation, ecological transition and regional development can advance together, making the Nancy-Contrexéville line a model for railway revival in support of local communities.