Spain’s Antequera–Granada HS Line: Track Duplication & Loja Bypass

“`html

Introduction

Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has initiated expropriation procedures for two key projects on the Antequera–Granada high-speed line, aiming to improve rail connectivity in Eastern Andalusia.

Main Content

Antequera–Granada High-Speed Line Improvements

The Ministry’s actions concern the construction of the Loja–Valle del Genil bypass section and the duplication of the Antequera–Granada high-speed line on the Bifurcación Archidona–Bifurcación La Chana section.

Track Duplication Details

The railway formation on the Bifurcación Archidona–Bifurcación La Chana section is designed for a second track. In May, ADIF AV issued a tender for over 80,000 sleepers. These will be used to create a new standard-gauge track, parallel to the existing one. This new track will extend for 46 km along the Antequera–Granada high-speed line, between Bifurcación Archidona and Bifurcación Riofrío, and between the Íllora Banalisation Point and Bifurcación La Chana.

Operational Benefits

The duplication of this section aims to increase the operational capacity of the existing high-speed line, allowing for more frequent services and improved rail traffic management.

Loja Bypass Project

The Loja–Valle del Genil bypass section is one of four segments of the Loja Bypass project. Construction of the Loja–Riofrío bypass section began in 2024, and work on the Loja–A92 bypass commenced this year. The viaduct over the conventional Bobadilla–Granada line has already been completed.

The Loja Bypass, designed to high-speed standards and equipped with a double standard-gauge track formation, will reduce travel times on rail services to Granada through a new high-speed alignment around Loja.

Conclusion

The projects are part of the Ministry’s plan to strengthen rail links between Antequera, Granada, and Almería, improve integration into the Mediterranean Corridor, and increase the capacity and frequency of rail services.

Company Summary

ADIF AV: ADIF AV is a Spanish company responsible for the development of high-speed rail infrastructure.

“`