In total, the line comprises of track. This is formed by UIC 60 () rails placed in lengths, welded in place (with certain segmented sections). The concrete sleepers are formed of two blocks of concrete tied together by a metal strut. There are 1660 sleepers per kilometre. Traction power is supplied by eight EDF substations at 25 kV AC, 50 Hz. The catenary is fed by an inverted phase "feeder" cable, which is equivalent to a 50 kV supply and reinforces the available power, enabling a singe trainset to draw up to 14 MW. Signalling relies on high-frequency track circuits, signals being transmitted directly to the driver's console. There are lineside marker boards indicating the limits of each block section, but no signals as such. The highest point on the line is above sea level, near the town of Liernais, north of Gare du Creusot. This is near the range dividing the Seine and Loire river valleys, and not far from the Rhône river valley. Stations The LGV Sud-Est serves the following stations: Le Creusot Mâcon-Loché Lyon Part-Dieu Le-Creusot and Mâcon-Loché are basic stations situated away from built-up areas. They have four tracks, with the two central tracks being reserved for through trains, and the side tracks serving stopping trains on two side platforms. Costs From 1996, the track of the LGV Sud-Est was renewed at a cost of FRF 2 billion, or about €300 million. History 10 July 1967: SNCF research launches project C 03 on high speed rail, titled "Rail Transport Possibilities through New Infrastructure" 26 March 1971: new line project approved by inter-ministerial committee 23 March 1976: declaration of public utility signed by Prime Minister Jacques Chirac 7 December 1976: works commence at Écuisses, Saône-et-Loire 14 June 1979: first rails laid near Montchanin, Saône-et-Loire 20 November 1980: track laying ends in Cluny, Saône-et-Loire 26 February 1981: trainset no. 16 (SNCF TGV Sud-Est) breaks the world record for rail speed at 380 km/h between Courcelles-Frémoy, Côte-d'Or and Dyé, Yonne in a gradually descending portion of the line 22 September 1981: inauguration of the first section (Saint-Florentin to Montchanin) by the President of the Republic, François Mitterrand 27 September 1981: commercial service begins 25 September 1983: service begins on the northern section (Combs-la-Ville to Saint-Florentin) 31 August 1992: derailment at 270 km/h of a TGV in Macon-Loché station; several passengers waiting on the platform are slightly injured by flying