On September 23, ADIF will inaugurate the new Oural tunnel, a milestone in the comprehensive renovation and modernization of the Ourense-Monforte de Lemos-Lugo corridor (117 km), which connects to the Ourense high-speed network. This project aims to improve the reliability and capacity of the route, as well as renovate and expand stations such as Monforte, Sarria, Os Peares, and Lugo. To this end, ADIF has mobilized an investment of approximately EUR626 million, of which over EUR507 million has already been spent. 

The new Oural tunnel, 1.9 km long and with a 52 m2 cross-section, was built parallel to the existing one, which will serve as an safety tunnel and will be connected to it by three emergency exits, one every 500 m. In its final configuration, the new tunnel will feature a single electrified track, mounted on a concrete slab, as is the case with the rest of the route. 

Once the new tunnel is operational, work will begin to convert the existing one into an evacuation tunnel. To this end, the tracks and other railway components will be removed, and the tube will be adapted to accommodate maintenance or emergency vehicles to allow safe evacuation if necessary. The tunnel will feature a concrete slab track and two-way crossings, allowing road access for road vehicles.

For further information click here and es/45 for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.adif.es/. 37/25.