As part of the stimulus package, the French government, the Pays de la Loire region, the Mayenne département and the Pays de Château-Gontier community of municipalities have financed a project to renew the freight line's infrastructure. Work on the line began in September 2023 and it was completed by May 2024.
To better serve rail freight customers, the works upgraded the freight line between Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne and Sablé-sur-Sarthe. At a speed of 40 km/h, the aim is to ensure the long-term viability of the line for the next 20 years.
This is one of the least costly freight-related upgrades in France. It will consolidate the current use of the freight line and allow the development of future rail freight. At the end of the work, the cost of the operation will be €26 million for around thirty kilometers. This represents a saving of €10 million compared with the estimates in the studies.
