UNDER AN agreement signed on December 28 with the Ministry of Development and the regional government, Renfe’s suburban route between Valencia and Riba-roja de Túria is to become part of the FGV metro network.
Involving the removal of 16 level crossings, conversion of the route from Quart de Poblet to Riba-roja via Manises Airport is expected to be completed in time for June 2007, when Valencia hosts the 32nd America’s Cup sailing competition. Xirivella-L’Alter is to be replaced by a new station on the Valencia - Utiel route.
FGV has awarded a €7m contract to install track and overhead electrification equipment on the 1·6 km Mislata - Quart de Poblet section of Line 5, including a new traction substation. Due to open in 2006 with one intermediate station at Faitanar, this section is being built at a total cost of €47·1m, including signalling and telecommunications equipment being installed under another contract worth €2·35m.
The next phase of FGV’s €250m programme to acquire up to 69 new trains has seen 30 LRVs ordered from Bombardier for €78·6m. Each 32·5m long five-section LRV will accommodate 264 passengers. They are to be deployed on the new Line T2 between Orriols/Torrefiel and Nazaret as well as the extension of T4 to Valterna/Terramelar and La Coma. Two lines in Alacant are also expected to receive Bombardier cars.
