Adif will put into operation the new Oural tunnel on 23 September, marking a significant milestone in the comprehensive renovation and modernisation of the Ourense–Monforte de Lemos–Lugo corridor, which connects to the high-speed network in Ourense.
The new tunnel, 1.9 km long with a cross-section of 52 m², will, once fully configured, accommodate a single electrified track, like the rest of the route, laid on a concrete slab track.
Connection works with the existing railway network will take place between 20 and 22 September and will include a simulation of Adif’s self-protection plan. During this period, an Alternative Transport Plan will be implemented to ensure passenger mobility.
Following the commissioning of the new Oural tunnel, work will begin on converting the existing tunnel into an evacuation gallery. This will involve removing the current track and all railway infrastructure and adapting the tunnel tube to allow safe evacuation if required.
The structure will feature three emergency exits, with approximately one every 500 metres, connecting to the evacuation gallery into which the existing tunnel will be transformed. The evacuation gallery will be suitable for maintenance or emergency vehicles. The new tunnel will have slab track and dual-access crossings, enabling road vehicles to access the railway track.
The new Oural tunnel is one of the key projects in Adif’s ambitious full-scale upgrade of the 117 km Ourense–Monforte de Lemos–Lugo line which connects to the high-speed rail network in Ourense and aims to strengthen the reliability and capacity of the line. The project also involves the renewal and expansion of stations such as Monforte, Sarria, Os Peares, and Lugo.
The project also includes the renewal of all track infrastructure, reinforcement of bridges and tunnels, excavation and embankment works, and the modification of clearances in bridges and 13 tunnels bringing them up to European corridor standards.
Additionally, the plan involves electrification of the Monforte–Lugo section and upgrading the current electrification on the Ourense–Monforte section to 25 kV, as well as modernisation of signalling and telecommunications systems, the refurbishment of Monforte station, and the construction of a new station in Lugo.
In terms of installations, the plan 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.
Adif has committed around EUR 626 million to this initiative, of which over EUR 507 million has already been executed. The construction of the new Oural tunnel, along with associated works including track and infrastructure renewal, upgrades to bridges and viaducts, tunnel and overpass clearance enhancements, signalling and telecommunications systems, and improved accessibility at Monforte de Lemos station, is co-financed by the European Union through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
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