Metro de Madrid has announced a change in the schedule of service disruptions on line 6 as part of the works that will improve the reliability of the line and allow full automation.
Because work on the section between Moncloa, Príncipe Pío and Méndez Álvaro has progressed faster than planned, the “east arc” between Moncloa, Avenida de América and Legazpi will be interrupted on 6 September (instead of 12 September).
Despite being the most used line in the whole network, and the new trains will not arrive until 2027, this section will be closed until December to carry out the improvement works.
These consist mainly of:
- Reinforce the edge of platforms to allow the installation of platform screen doors.
- Renew lanes.
- Small improvements to the layout to increase speed.
- Upgrade of the CBTC system to enable GoA 4.
- Modification of platform gauges to adapt them to the new trains (6 cm wider).
- Eliminate asbestos in tunnels and stations.
In addition, the catenary voltage is being changed to 1,500 V dc, which will be used to reopen line 6. This will mean that the service can no longer be reinforced with the 5000-4th series trains, which will be relegated to line 9, the only wide gauge line that will maintain the 600 V dc.