Recoletos tunnel is the busiest section of railway in Spain with 470 trains per day and is used by five suburban lines as well as regional and long-distance trains.
The tunnel runs from Charmartín via Nuevos Ministerios and Recoletos to Atocha in the south. Construction of the tunnel started in 1933, although it was not put into service until 1967.
Adif closed the tunnel to traffic in June to allow a complete renewal of track, signalling and electrification. The conventional ballasted track with wooden sleepers has been removed and replaced with slab track using 60g/m rails and concrete sleepers. The traditional overhead catenary has been replaced with an overhead rigid conductor rail, and the signalling has been renewed.
Around 120 people, working in three shifts seven days a week, were employed to ensure the project was completed on time.
Adif will use one of its measuring trains to check the track geometry and the dynamic behaviour of the catenary. Test running will also be carried out before the tunnel reopens.
Adif expects the work to improve reliability and significantly reduce the possibility of incidents affecting train operation. In addition, the new infrastructure will be easier to maintain, and ride quality will be enhanced. Saftey in the tunnel has been enhanced to facilitate evacuation if necessary.
