Bertrand reassures about canal project

Xavier Bertrand, president of the Hauts-de-France Region and head of the oversight committee for the Seine-Nord Europe Canal (CSNE), said there is no need to be concerned about challenges facing the canal project. He emphasized his commitment to moving forward with the large-scale infrastructure development.

Legal challenges not seen as obstacle

Bertrand expressed confidence that an appeal from project opponents, to be reviewed by the administrative court in Amiens on October 20, will not stop the project's progress. He also stated he is not worried about a "moratorium" requested by La France Insoumise as part of its parliamentary duties on October 29.

Construction already underway

Near Compiègne, excavators and cranes are already working on the first eighteen kilometers of the future canal. This section will soon host around 500 workers for several years, supporting local employment and economic activity.

Major lock under construction

A short distance away, 200 people are working on the Montmacq-Cambronne-lès-Ribécourt lock, which will be the largest on the canal. This lock will house a pumping station to bring water from the Oise river into the canal, and is expected to be completed by 2029.

Project spans multiple areas

Preparatory work is also ongoing across other parts of the project, which will cover four departments. The canal is planned to be 107 kilometers long and 54 meters wide, extending up to the outskirts of Cambrai.

Bertrand speaks at Norlink Day

On October 13, Bertrand addressed an audience of three hundred people at the Château de Compiègne during Norlink Day. This event was organized by the regional federation of transport and logistics actors to discuss the future of the region’s infrastructure and economic development.