Grand Paris Express Line 17 North
Major Tunnelling Milestone: Virginie Breaks Through!
A major tunnelling milestone has been reached on Grand Paris Express Line 17 North: the EPB tunnel boring machine (TBM) Virginie has successfully completed excavation of Lot 3.
Amberg Engineering is proud to have contributed its underground engineering expertise to this challenging infrastructure project beneath the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport area. The 6.2-kilometre underground section forms part of the northern extension of Line 17, connecting the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport area with Le Mesnil-Amelot.
Excavation was carried out using Virginie, an Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) tunnel boring machine. This technology is particularly suited to urban tunnelling, where ground conditions and settlement control are critical. By maintaining controlled pressure at the tunnel face, the EPB system balances the surrounding earth and groundwater pressures as excavation progresses, helping to minimise ground movements and protect existing infrastructure.
Tunnelling beneath a major international airport presents considerable engineering challenges, requiring precise planning, careful monitoring and close coordination across disciplines.
Amberg Engineering contributed specialist underground engineering expertise to Lot 3. The construction section includes the underground Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station, seven technical and service structures, and associated access works.
The successful completion of excavation reflects the combined expertise and collaboration of the many teams involved in delivering this complex underground infrastructure.
The construction works were awarded to a consortium led by RAZEL-BEC (FAYAT Group), with Société des grands projets as the client.
With Virginie having completed its tunnelling mission, Line 17 North moves another step closer to completion. The full connection to Le Mesnil-Amelot is currently targeted for 2030.
Amberg Engineering congratulates all project partners and teams on this important achievement and is proud to have contributed to this major infrastructure development.
Photography: © RAZEL-BEC
