Spain’s Oural Tunnel: Rail Infrastructure Upgrade

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Introduction

Adif will commission the new Oural tunnel on 23 September, a key element in the comprehensive renovation of the Ourense–Monforte de Lemos–Lugo corridor. The 1.9 km tunnel, with a 52 m² cross-section, will accommodate a single electrified track.

New Oural Tunnel Commissioning

The new Oural tunnel is scheduled to be put into operation on 23 September. Connection works with the existing railway network will take place between 20 and 22 September, including a simulation of Adif’s self-protection plan. An Alternative Transport Plan will be implemented during this period. The tunnel will feature a single electrified track laid on a concrete slab track.

Evacuation Gallery Conversion

Following the commissioning of the new Oural tunnel, the existing tunnel will be converted into an evacuation gallery. This process involves removing the current track and railway infrastructure to allow safe evacuation. The gallery will have three emergency exits, approximately every 500 metres, suitable for maintenance or emergency vehicles. The new tunnel will include slab track and dual-access crossings for road vehicles.

Corridor Upgrade Project

The new Oural tunnel is a key project within Adif’s comprehensive upgrade of the 117 km Ourense–Monforte de Lemos–Lugo line, which connects to the high-speed rail network in Ourense. The project aims to increase the line’s reliability and capacity. The project includes the renewal and expansion of stations such as Monforte, Sarria, Os Peares, and Lugo.

Infrastructure and Systems Improvements

The project encompasses the renewal of track infrastructure, reinforcement of bridges and tunnels, excavation and embankment works, and modification of clearances in bridges and 13 tunnels to meet European corridor standards. Additional elements include the electrification of the Monforte–Lugo section, upgrading the existing electrification on the Ourense–Monforte section to 25 kV, modernisation of signalling and telecommunications systems, refurbishment of Monforte station, and construction of a new station in Lugo. The plan also includes a new electrical substation in Oural and the renewal of interlockings at Monforte, Rubián, Sarria, Pobra de San Xián, Laxosa, and Lugo Freight Terminal, to implement the Single-Track Automatic Release Block (BLAU) system between Monforte and Lugo Freight.

Conclusion

Adif has allocated approximately EUR 626 million to this initiative, with over EUR 507 million already executed. The construction of the new Oural tunnel, along with associated works, is co-financed by the European Union through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

Company Summary

Adif: Responsible for the construction and management of railway infrastructure in Spain.

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