Córdoba–Bobadilla signalling contract moves ahead with Adif award

Córdoba–Bobadilla line signalling modernization is moving ahead. Adif has awarded a EUR 65.8 million contract. The contract covers works on the Valchillón–Torres Cabrera–Fuente de Piedra stretch of the conventional route. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The agreement covers the technical design. It also covers the works needed to install a single-track automatic block system (BAU). That system will be linked to a centralized traffic control system (CTC). In addition, the agreement includes siding extensions. These are planned to reach a usable length of 750 metres at several stations.

Córdoba–Bobadilla line signalling modernization scope

Under the Adif signalling contract, the section is set to receive updated signalling systems. It will also receive updated telecommunications systems. The scope includes the following:

• electronic interlockings, plus train detection and protection equipment;
• control and signalling facilities, cable infrastructure, and trackside installations;
• auxiliary civil works, fixed and mobile telecommunications systems, and technical buildings with power supply systems.

All of these elements will be integrated into the centralized traffic control system. The contract also covers commissioning. The works are tied to the future Algeciras–Zaragoza rolling highway. The conventional Córdoba–Bobadilla route forms part of that corridor.

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That places the signalling contract within the wider corridor programme described below. In this context, the upgrade is intended to accommodate higher traffic volumes. It is also meant to maintain safety and operational efficiency.

Algeciras–Zaragoza rolling highway investment

Adif is also pursuing a broader investment plan along the full Algeciras–Madrid–Zaragoza corridor. It is intended to introduce rolling highway services. The programme includes adapting infrastructure for semi-trailer transport and other improvements. Total investment has already exceeded EUR 650 million.

These measures are aimed at increasing the share of rail freight transport. This applies to both the Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors. They are also intended to reinforce intermodal links between Europe and Morocco. As part of the route adaptation between the Port of Algeciras and the Zaragoza Plaza terminal, 182 structures will be modernized. That total includes 43 tunnels, 131 overpasses and 8 bridges.

Route works and planned train services

Work is already underway on 26 tunnels and 40 overpasses between Madrid and Zaragoza. Meanwhile, contracts have also been awarded for the Algeciras–Madrid section. In addition, tracks will be extended to 750 metres at 17 stations. This is intended to improve the route’s efficiency and competitiveness. The programme also covers slope stabilization at Almargen in Málaga. It also includes modernization of railway track along a 7-km section. That work is intended to improve operations on the Bobadilla–Algeciras section.

In the initial phase, the Algeciras–Zaragoza route will handle two daily trains in each direction. After one year, that figure will rise to three in each direction. This applies to services to and from Morocco. The plan also includes two daily trains between Huelva and Zaragoza. These will handle traffic from the Canary Islands and the Huelva region. Separately, it includes four daily trains between Seville and Zaragoza. These will serve traffic from Andalusia and the Port of Seville.

Overall, operations are expected to account for around 12,000 train-kilometres per day. They are also expected to carry about 360 trucks. That would remove roughly 360,000 kilometres of road traffic each day.

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