Adif has awarded a 2.2 million Euro contract for the drafting of the construction project to refurbish the Somport railway tunnel, essential to reopen the international connection between Spain and France via the Zaragoza-Canfranc-Pau line.
The contract, awarded to the Typsa – Ingerop joint venture, is divided into two phases: the first will define the civil works and track works required to upgrade the tunnel. In contrast, the second will include reports and complementary actions. The project provides gauge, layout, geology, drainage and tunnel enlargement studies, as well as preparation for future electrification.
The investment foreseen to refurbish the tunnel and to make this corridor available amounts to 93 million euros. The 7.8-kilometre Somport tunnel was built between 1908 and 1915 and remained in service from 1928 to 1970. It is currently used as an evacuation gallery for the road tunnel and as access to the Canfranc Underground Laboratory.
This action, co-financed by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility, will restore international passenger and freight traffic, strengthening the connection between important logistics hubs in Spain and France and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.