SPAIN: Under the Mediterranean Corridor project to create a 1435 mm gauge freight route over the 1300 km between Figueres and Algeciras (RG 5.12 p30), engineering consultancy Ineco is currently undertaking design studies for dual-gauging the existing route between Castellbisbal on the outskirts of Barcelona and Tarragona.
The studies are expected to be completed around the end of 2012, followed early in 2013 by the project for Tarragona - Valencia and Valencia - Murcia in mid-2013.
According to Development Minister Ana Pastor, a total of €1·42bn is to be invested by the government in providing dual gauge between Castellbisbal and Murcia, of which €381m would be spent on Castellbisbal - Tarragona, €702m on Tarragona - Valencia and €334m on Valencia - Murcia. Of the €1·08bn to be spent on the Mediterranean Corridor in 2013, dual-gauging accounts for €270m, alongside €748·7m for high speed projects and €60m for new access to the port of Barcelona.
Between Tarragona and Valencia, a €43·54m programme of track and OHLE renewals being tendered by ADIF for the 18·7 km of double track between Moncófar and Castelló de la Plana will include laying UIC 60 rail on sleepers capable of accommodating a third running rail. ADIF type CA 220 OHLE will be installed to supply traction current at 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC.
