The Spanish Council of Ministers has authorised the tender, worth €96.8 million (excluding VAT), for the supply and transport of 680,400 aero-sleepers to renew the track on the Mejorada del Campo–Calatayud section of the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed line. The works will be carried out by Adif AV.
The contract is divided into four lots corresponding to the following subsections:
- Mejorada–Brihuega (232,400 units).
- Brihuega–Alcolea (143,150).
- Alcolea–Ariza (166,250).
- Ariza–Calatayud (138,600).
Aero-sleepers are a Spanish technology that reduces aerodynamic loads by 21% and prevents “ballast flight” at speeds above 300 km/h. This phenomenon is one of the reasons why trains cannot currently operate at the maximum design speed of the line (350 km/h).
In addition to the sleeper replacement, Adif AV is also undertaking several related works:
- A €7.67 million tender for seat plates in Brihuega (Guadalajara) and Calatayud (Zaragoza), which strengthen rail fastening and improve ride quality.
- A €6.32 million contract for maintenance work on the Benamira and Río Blanco viaducts (Soria), extending their service life.
- Drainage reinforcement: €6 million (2025) for 13 km in Zaragoza, and €4.61 million across 151 km in Huesca, Tarragona, and Girona.
The renewal of this section will enhance comfort, safety, and train capacity. Moreover, the use of aero-sleepers will cut ballast maintenance needs.