Grand Paris Express: Technical Access Solutions for Transport Infrastructure by Mecawa

Study, design, production, and delivery of technical access hatches for the aerial stations of the Grand Paris Express

1) Context

The Grand Paris Express represents the largest public transport project in Europe, aiming to transform mobility in the Île-de-France region. This new automatic metro network will span 200 km and include 68 new stations. Among these strategic infrastructures, three aerial stations will be built on the future Line 18: Marguerite Perey station in Palaiseau, Moulon Campus station in Orsay, and Christ de Saclay station.
Within this ambitious framework, Mecawa was commissioned to design, manufacture, and supply all technical access hatches for these three stations. These hatches play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and maintenance of technical installations while harmoniously integrating into the architecture of the stations.

2) Partnership

The project was entrusted to Mecawa by Chantiers Modernes Construction, a leading company in the building and public works sector and a subsidiary of VINCI Construction, one of the world's main players in construction.
Chantiers Modernes Construction mainly operates in Île-de-France on complex and technical projects, combining traditional expertise with innovative construction methods. The company is recognized for its expertise in delivering major public infrastructure, particularly in transportation, healthcare, education, and culture.
Within the Grand Paris Express project, Chantiers Modernes Construction is responsible for several structures, including the aerial stations of Line 18. Its collaboration with Mecawa is based on strict criteria regarding quality, safety, and meeting deadlines. This partnership demonstrates the trust placed in Mecawa to supply high value-added technical equipment, such as the access hatches designed for these strategic infrastructures.

3) Study, design, production, and delivery

Mecawa managed the entire process from study to delivery:

• Custom study and design: Each hatch was designed taking into account the technical and architectural specificities of each station, as well as the requirements of the specifications.

• Rigorous production: The hatches were manufactured in Mecawa’s workshops in Belgium, with particular attention to quality, durability, and compliance with current standards.

• Delivery: The first hatches have been delivered, notably to the Marguerite Perey station in Palaiseau. Installation was optimized through the use of suitable technical means, such as a gantry crane and a chain hoist, enabling precise and efficient positioning.

4) Results and conclusions

The technical access hatches supplied by Mecawa meet the high requirements of the Grand Paris Express project in terms of safety, functionality, and aesthetics. Their custom design and careful installation ensure perfect integration into the infrastructures of the aerial stations on Line 18.
This project illustrates Mecawa’s ability to manage complex projects by ensuring effective coordination between the different phases, from design to installation, and respecting deadlines. This project highlights Mecawa’s expertise in delivering tailored technical solutions within large-scale infrastructure projects, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the construction sector.