The Algerian government, through Anesrif (Agence National de Etudes et Suivi de Realisations des Investissements Ferroviaires), has awarded FCC, in consortium with Algerian Groupe ETRHB HADDAD, a EUR1.232 billion contract to build 66 km of railway line from Tlemcen, 500 km west of Algiers, to Akkid Abbas and forming part of the planned line connecting Oued Tlelat to the Moroccan border. This segment of line must be built in 48 months. The first two-thirds of the route, in western Algeria, crosses quite abrupt terrain and will require the construction of 34 viaducts and nine tunnels, accounting for over 30% of the total length of this section. The project is for a double-tracked electrified line for a maximum rated speed of 220 km/h, and the contract includes signalling and telecommunications systems. Visit www.anesrif.dz, www.fcc.es and www.etrhb.com. 12/11.