Residents of Deuil-La Barre and Montmagny, in the Val-d'Oise, are very familiar with this rail crossing. Known as the region's most accident-prone crossing, it also holds the dubious distinction of being France’s most dangerous level crossing. As reported by our colleagues at Le Parisien on November 20th, around 70 accidents have been recorded over the past fifteen years at the PN4 crossing, the notorious level crossing between Deuil-La Barre and Montmagny on the RD311.
In addition to posing a danger to pedestrians and drivers who need to cross it, the PN4 also causes frequent disruptions on the Transilien Line H and the TER Paris-Persan-Beaumont-Beauvais routes. For many years now, local authorities, government services, and the SNCF have been calling for the removal of this level crossing.
After years of repeated delays, the removal of this level crossing has finally been confirmed. Its permanent elimination is scheduled for completion by 2027. "The discussion about removing the level crossing began as early as 2014. A consultation involving the State, SNCF Réseau, the Val d’Oise Department, and the local municipalities took place in 2017. By 2021, these discussions led to a public inquiry, and in June 2022, the Prefect of Val d’Oise officially signed a Declaration of Public Utility," states the official website of the Deuil-la-Barre Town Hall.
Work to dismantle this hazardous structure began in October 2024. By spring 2025, the first major milestone was achieved. Between May 29 and June 1, residents witnessed the impressive sliding of a 1,850-ton railway bridge at the Plante des Champs path, on the border between Deuil-la-Barre and Montmagny. This railway bridge, scheduled to be operational in 2026, will enable vehicles to "pass safely beneath the railway tracks," officials confirmed.
Starting in January 2027, if everything goes according to plan, a pedestrian and soft mobility underground passage will be constructed where the current level crossing is located. "It will feature accessible entrances for people with reduced mobility, enhancing safety and ensuring easier access to the train station platforms," officials have announced.
