On 6 May, the deadline for the complete renovation of line 116, Cercedilla-Cotos, came to an end. The aim is to replace all the elements, leaving the infrastructure and superstructure unchanged, as on a new line.
However, as we reported on 27 June, the works are only half done, and the progress is very slow. Moreover, Adif has not provided any information on the reason for the delays or when the works are scheduled to be completed.
The enquiries made by this newspaper since May 27th have finally given results, and the infrastructure manager has indicated where the works stand and why they are taking so long. As with everything in the railway industry, there are several reasons.
Weather, wildlife, and unforeseen circumstances are the leading causes of construction delays
Firstly, Adif argues that after lifting the old track, defects were detected in the platform that could not have been identified before. For this reason, it has been necessary to schedule additional reinforcement works.
On the other hand, the works are planned considering the climatic conditions of recent years, which in a high mountain line often condition the works that can be carried out. However, this winter has been harsher than expected, which has hindered progress on the work.
Finally, there is the environmental factor. The line runs through the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, a protected natural area. Legislation requires an “ecological shutdown”, a temporary restriction on the work and activities that can be carried out to avoid harming wildlife.
In this national park, the closure typically coincides with the breeding and rearing period of nesting birds, from March 1 to July 31. This would be the reason why the work has been progressing slowly recently. With August just around the corner, the regular rhythm will soon be restored.
To date, Adif has carried out the following tasks on the line:
- Dismantling of the old catenary.
- Dismantling of track infrastructure.
- Erection of most of the poles of the new catenary.
In the current phase, which can be intensified after the end of the ecological shutdown, work is underway on preparing the platform for the installation of the new track, fibre optic ducts, and technical buildings for the new interlockings.
However, they do not provide a new completion date for the work. Adif is currently defining new deadlines.