SPAIN: The construction of Metro de Bilbao’s Line 4 was approved by the Basque government and Bizkaia provincial council in December.
Line 4 is to start at an interchange with Line 3 at Matiko and run to Irauregi via Deusto/Universidad, Basurtu and Zorrotza.
This will provide direct metro access to the large hospital complex in Basurtu.
Construction
Basque rail infrastructure manager Euskal Trenbide Sarea will lead development of the 6·7 km section of the line between Matiko and Basurtu, where construction is expected to start in late 2027. This section will be mostly in tunnel with six intermediate stations and is estimated to cost €412m.
Between Basurtu and Alonsotegi near Irauregi the line will share the existing ex-FEVE metre-gauge railway from Bilbao to Santander and León. ETS will work with national infrastructure manager ADIF to remodel the double-track route which is already electrified at 1·5 kV DC. This will include the elimination of level crossings.
Financing is to be shared between the Basque government (55%) and Bizkaia provincial council (45% up to a maximum of €200m).
Services will be run by regional train operator Euskotren, which currently operates Line 3 and will also operate the future Line 5.
