The Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma), continues to work on the improvement of the metric width network in Cantabria and will invest 28.5 million euros (VAT included) in the modernization of security facilities in the sections Torrelavega - Santander (line Santander-Oviedo), Santander-Nueva Montaña and Maliaño - Astillero (line Santander-Bilbao).
To this end, Adif has awarded the works contract for the installation of the signalling system called Banalized Automatic Blocking (BAB) – only operating on a dual track – which will replace the Automatic Blocking on a Dual Track (BAD) signalling system, which grants a preferential sense of circulation and therefore limits the capacity of the other track, which does not have the same signalling.
The BAB, however, has identical signaling in both lanes and will maximize the operability of both in both directions, improving the exploitation of the line, increasing its capacity and streamlining its circulation especially in cases of incidents in one of the lanes.
The installation of the BAB signaling system will entail the renovation and modernization of the security facilities associated with the signaling, such as interlocks, train detection and protection systems, fixed and luminous signaling and integration in the CTC (Centralized Traffic Control Center).
The implementation work of the BAB system will be carried out by the UTE composed of Telephones, Lines and Centers and Interlocks and Railway Signage ENYSE, within 21 months.
More performances in the metric width network
At the moment, numerous actions are under way in Cantabria’s metric width network, among them, in the tender phase, the reinforcement of the Raos viaduct, for 2.4 million euros, and the installation of new signage in the Astillero-Orejo section, with an investment of 5.5 million. These are in addition to the doubling works of 7 km of track of the latter - already awarded -, with an investment of 37.3 million.
In terms of electrification, Adif works on the construction of the new substation in Requejada and the renovation of the substation of Puente San Miguel -both in the Santander-Cabezón de la Sal- line; and in the Orejo, in the Santander-Liérganes line, with an investment of close to 6 million euros.
The actions, framed in the plan of renewal and maintenance of the Neighbourhoods network, contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which promotes reliable, sustainable and quality infrastructures.