On 28 February 2024, Ferrovial on behalf of Adif completed the excavation using the drill&blast method of the new 1.9 km Oural tunnel (average advance was 5 m/day). The tunnel was built parallel to the existing tunnel, which will now be converted to an emergency tunnel.  

The construction of the tunnel - costing EUR 51 million - is part of the modernisation project of the 117 km Ourense-Monforte de Lemos-Lugo conventional railway line, for which a total investment of more than EUR 550 million is planned.  

The new tunnel offers improved performance and is large enough for an electric power supply. Power which has been installed for the first time between the Monforte and Lugo stations means that not just diesel trains can use the tunnel. In the coming months, the 52-square-metre section of the tunnel will be completed. The tracks will then be laid on concrete slabs, and the equipment will be installed. Click es/45 for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.adif.es/ and