SPAIN: A series of agreements that will see state-owned port authorities fund rail infrastructure upgrades were signed by ADIF on June 6. The total cost of the projects is €45∙5m, of which €11∙5m is being provided by the European Regional Development Fund via ADIF.
The largest single project is a €20∙5m scheme to build a new connection at La Salud that would allow 750 m long freight trains to reach the port of Sevilla without the need to reverse. The port authority is contributing €9m, with ERDF providing the remainder via ADIF.
The Bay of Algeciras port authority is providing €17∙4m for improvements to the Bobadilla — Algeciras route in order to increase capacity and reduce operating costs for freight services, due to be undertaken in 2017-19. Provision of 750 m passing loops on the Sevilla — Huelva route at a cost of €2∙2m in 2017-18 is being funded by the Huelva port authority.
