Adif’s Palencia-León Double-Tracking: High-Speed Rail Boost for Spain

Adif Doubles Down on Palencia – León High-Speed Line, Bolstering Capacity for Asturias Services

In a move poised to significantly enhance high-speed rail connectivity in northern Spain, Adif (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias), Spain’s railway infrastructure manager, is advancing the double-tracking of the Palencia – León high-speed section. This EUR 95.2 million investment, with nearly all funds already mobilized, will dramatically increase capacity and reliability along a crucial link serving Asturias. The project, launched at the end of 2024, addresses the rising demand for rail services driven by network expansion and the liberalisation of rail operations. The focus of this article is to explore the scope of this critical infrastructure upgrade, the technical specifics of the project, and its impact on the future of high-speed rail in the region, improving the accessibility of the region for passenger and freight services.

Boosting Capacity and Reliability: The Scope of the Double-Tracking Project

The Palencia – León high-speed section’s upgrade involves the installation of a second track and its electrification along a 41.5 km single-track stretch, between the Leonese municipality of Bercianos del Real Camino (Las Arenas rail junction) and approximately 5 km south of León (Vilecha junction). This initiative also includes the enabling of a Villada (Palencia) train passing and parking point, equipped with a second siding track and associated connections and switches. A new overpass for pedestrians and vehicles is under construction near the hamlet of Trobajo del Cerecedo, replacing an existing crossing. The construction of this double-track section, which accounts for 75% of the line’s total length between the two Castile and León capitals, from Las Barreras Junction to the outskirts of León, will dramatically improve service reliability and capacity. This will enable a significant increase in the number of rail services to and from Asturias and León, making a positive impact on the regional and national economies.

Technical Details: Construction and Electrification Progress

Adif is diligently implementing the project, with the ballast bed already laid and sleepers distributed along the entire section. Track installation is complete over one-third of the route (14 km). Crucially, all electrification masts have been installed, with the exception of those on viaducts, positioning the project to move swiftly onto overhead lines and equipment installation once the trackwork is complete. The project is being undertaken in phases to minimize disruption. The first phase has allowed for traffic to be maintained on a single track between Villada and the Vilecha junction. The second phase, running from June to September, involves traffic operating on one of the two tracks (track 1) between Vilecha and León (7 km) to facilitate the connection of track 2 and the Vilecha gauge changer to the new double-track section. This phase includes the installation of a new high-speed turnout, the adaptation and testing of signalling equipment, updates to the interlocking software, and progress on the Trobajo del Cerecedo overpass.

Enhancing Accessibility and Infrastructure Integration

A central element of this infrastructure overhaul is the construction of a new overpass near Trobajo del Cerecedo. This structure replaces the existing level crossing, improving railway safety and, critically, enhancing the integration of the rail line with the local community. This new crossing is designed to provide a seamless, safe passage for both pedestrians and vehicles. By facilitating better connections, Adif aims to promote accessibility and create a more positive interface between the railway infrastructure and the communities it serves. This focus on community integration underscores Adif’s commitment to not only building a robust and efficient railway network, but also to ensuring it benefits the people it serves.

Supporting Network Expansion: Complementary Projects and Future Outlook

This project complements other simultaneous initiatives aimed at expanding and improving the high-speed rail network across Spain. These include the doubling of the northern high-speed exit at Valladolid – Campo Grande station and the expansion and refurbishment of the station itself. A critical component of the broader strategy is the construction of a connection from this corridor to the high-speed corridor to Galicia, known as the ‘Olmedo U.’ The ‘Olmedo U’ enables transverse high-speed services across the northern half of the country. This coordinated approach underscores Adif’s forward-thinking strategy to create a more connected, accessible, and efficient high-speed rail network. The success of the Palencia-León double-tracking project will be pivotal in accommodating a greater number of rail services originating from and destined for Asturias and León, bolstering regional and national connectivity.

Conclusion

The Palencia – León high-speed line double-tracking project represents a crucial step in strengthening Spain’s high-speed rail network, particularly in the northern region. By investing in enhanced infrastructure, Adif is not only increasing capacity and reliability, but also fostering improved connections between Asturias, León, and other major cities in Spain. This project will significantly benefit passengers and freight operators alike, facilitating an increase in services and improving transit times. The strategic placement of this project and its connection to other ongoing developments highlights a forward-thinking approach to rail infrastructure upgrades, focused on network integration and the creation of a modern, efficient railway system. The success of this project offers a blueprint for other network enhancements, as well as strengthening regional and national economies. The doubling of the Palencia – León section ensures that Spain is well-positioned for sustained growth in high-speed rail usage in the years to come.