Transport and handling operations for the nighttime replacement of two escalators at Paris Gare de Lyon Rail Station (75)

In mid-April 2025, our specialist agency Porteurs 2000 (part of the Bovis Group) successfully completed a major escalator replacement operation at Gare de Lyon in Paris (75). This nighttime operation, carried out to avoid disrupting passenger traffic, mobilized the full expertise of our Escalators Center of Excellence.

A fully controlled logistical operation

The project involved the dismantling and replacement of two 9-ton escalators, delivered in two sections each. These heavy components were transported using two heavy goods vehicles over two days and were positioned with extreme precision at their designated installation points inside the station.

To ensure smooth handling and movement of the equipment, our teams used three forklifts, perfectly suited to the space and safety constraints of a live train station environment. The final positioning of the escalators required eight electric hoists mounted on four I-beams and two reinforced H-beams, ensuring millimetric alignment of the structures.

Night work and tight coordination

Given the busy nature of Gare de Lyon, the entire operation was scheduled during night hours, while the station was closed to the public. Five Porteurs 2000 operators, supported by a technician from our client Schindler, were mobilized to complete the work within a very tight timeframe, with constant attention to safety and efficiency.

A vital preparatory study by our in-house design office

Before any on-site activity, this escalator replacement project underwent a detailed technical study conducted by our specialized escalator engineering office.

Using detailed plans and 3D simulations, our engineers were able to define the optimal methodology, select the most suitable lifting and handling equipment, and anticipate the specific constraints of working in a busy railway environment like Gare de Lyon.

On such a sensitive and high-traffic site, rigorous preparation is essential: it ensures flawless execution and leaves no room for error. This level of anticipation perfectly demonstrates our ability to manage heavy-duty and highly technical interventions in complex environments.

Porteurs 2000: France’s expert for escalator replacement

Porteurs 2000 is the Bovis Group’s agency specializing in the transport, handling, and installation of escalators. It leads the Group’s Escalators Center of Excellence, recognized for its ability to carry out complex projects in challenging environments.

Our expertise spans every stage in the lifecycle of an escalator:

• Storage in our national logistics hub
• Transport and delivery via flatbed or exceptional convoy
• Crane operations using truck-mounted or mobile cranes
• Heavy handling with gantries, forklifts with hydraulic booms, mini cranes or movers
• On-site splicing
• Spare parts logistics management
• Dismantling and certified disposal of old equipment

With our in-house design office, we produce custom 3D plans and tailored methodologies for every installation, working closely with manufacturers and elevator companies.

Whether in train stations, shopping centers or high-rise buildings, our experienced teams work day and night to guarantee fast, safe, and compliant execution to the highest standards.

Watch the video of this escalator replacement project here: