A major project for the construction of a rail track bed between Lubián and Taboadela in north-west Spain forms part of an overall scheme to develop the high-speed railway from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
- 10 January 2020
Work to compete the 548 km Madrid-Galicia High-Speed Line (HSL) is being carried out in different phases and through various sub-sections. This project is specifically for laying 48.5 km of rail track bed for the left track of the Lubián-Taboadela segment, which forms part of wider works to develop the Olmedo-Zamora-Lubián-Taboadela-Orense section of the HSL.
Complex project
The Lubián-Taboadela section is one of the most geographically and technically complex of the entire HSL. Construction of left track bed includes work in various tunnels along the route. The track bed construction for the right side of the track was completed during the 2007-2013 programming period.
When complete, the Madrid-Galicia HSL will allow trains to travel at maximum speeds up to 350 km/h. The double-track line will be electrified and equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2. Construction of the HSL follows a sequential process of technical activity – track bed, track mounting, electrification, signalling and telecommunications – which are progressively implemented.
Better services
The HSL contributes to removing bottlenecks and bridging missing links in the rail network. In particular, this high-speed line improves the connectivity of the Trans-European Transport Network and helps substantially reduce travel times between the main cities of Spain’s north/north-western corridor.
The section under construction helps deliver high-speed rail interoperability in the Iberian Peninsula. Passengers can expect to enjoy reduced journey times while traveling in comfort and safety. The line should herald an increase in capacity and more regular train services.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Basic Network. LAV Madrid-Galicia. Lubián-Orense Section Lubián-Taboadela Subsection Phase I” is EUR 736 394 148, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 225 750 000 through the “Multiregional OP for Spain ERDF” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Promoting sustainable transport and eliminating bottlenecks in fundamental network infrastructures”.