Presentation (early June 2026)

The Decree Authorizing the Creation of Cigéo (the DAC) has not yet been issued, but Andra began a new phase of so-called “preparatory” work in the fall of 2025 : DR0, which will soon be followed by DR1. A 12-page analysis of what DR0 entails is available here : https://coordstopcigeo.noblogs.org/post/2025/05/12/analyse-dossier-dro/ (in french)

But to summarize what has already been done :

  • Geotechnical investigations along the section of railway line between Gondrecourt and Nançois-Tronville, which Andra plans to renovate for the construction of Cigéo and the transport of nuclear waste. Most of these boreholes were drilled in the fall/winter of 2025-2026.
  • Preventive archaeological excavations around the Andra laboratory, Mandres-en-Barrois, and Bois Lejuc. These excavations were mandatory before the project and were carried out in January-February 2026.

Currently, work on the DR0 (Road Development Zone) continues :

  • Numerous boreholes are being drilled between Mandres, Bure, and the laboratory, along the route of the Inter-Site Link (LIS). This new road would connect the Andra laboratory directly to Bois Lejuc and would soon be used to clear the Bois Lejuc. Further drilling is underway in this area and as far as Saudron to prepare for other projects, such as the relocation of the RD60/960 road.
  • Other drilling, known as “reconnaissance drilling of the Barrois limestone formation” (CFB), is also in progress. This drilling is taking place across a fairly wide area, from Bure to Bar-le-Duc, and from the Saulx valley to Ligny-en-Barrois.
  • Deep drilling is planned for the four corners of the Bois Lejuc forest this summer:  near Ribeaucourt, Houdelaincourt, Bonnet, and Bure. The drilling platforms have not yet been built, but this is expected in the coming weeks or months.
  • Work is underway in the Bois Lejuc forest : https://bureburebure.info/ballade-nocturne-sur-les-travaux-en-cours-au-bois-lejuc/

Two months ago, in parallel with the eviction of la Gare, the French government and Andra (the French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management) accelerated the public inquiry process for the DAC (Departmental Commission for Construction), which they want to push through before the 2027 presidential elections, meaning this winter. On the ground, there is an expectation that the Bois Lejuc forest will be threatened very soon, even more severely than in 2016. This time, if nothing is done, two-thirds of the forest will be cleared! Since environmental law (or what’s left of it…) prohibits logging during nesting season, this would happen either next autumn/winter or autumn/winter 2027-28.

The work carried out by DR0 and DR1 is partly the same work that Andra illegally began in 2016, and which our collective action brought to a halt. Andra fell behind schedule thanks to our struggle! But it’s back with a vengeance, and with enough discretion that the “preparatory” work is, for now, going through without a hitch.

 

Let’s monitor the misdeeds of ANDRA!

So that ANDRA does not destroy the territory with impunity and to ensure that it does not exceed the legal framework for its work, as was the case in 2016, it is important to take part in monitoring the progress of these projects. The agency’s reference documents list the places and nature of these different sites, which have been summarized in an interactive map (which will be updated in the future), is accessible by clicking on the image below or on tinyurl.com/forages-55

From Bar le Duc to the outskirts of the laboratory, you may have a construction site near your home to go for your Sunday walk, get back (finally!) to jogging or mountain biking, or go mushrooming.

In the legend, you will find the type of construction site by clicking on the three small stacked squares. For more information on each site, refer to the non-technical summary of ANDRA, legal documents or other reference documents (everything is in french unfortunately).

If you are in the area and notice any work related to Cigéo, please email us at suivi-travaux@riseup.net ! Even better if you have photos or videos. This will be posted on this news thread (unless you specify that you don’t want it).

An exemple of action in october 2025 : https://bureburebure.info/en/inspection-surprise-des-forages-sur-la-voie-ferree/