(16/10/2024) 
Currently, the freight connection between the Zaragoza node and the coastal axis of the Mediterranean Corridor in the Barcelona area is carried out through two single-track lines of Iberian gauge with a preferential direction of circulation. On both lines, Adif is promoting actions to boost freight rail traffic, such as widening sidings and tunnel and overpass gauges.

The studies will analyse different possibilities for action, such as increasing the number of kilometres to be covered, reversing the route or breaking the load, including a possible direct route, without going through Zaragoza, which allows the connection with Pau-Canfranc, estimating the economic investment and the time schedule of these actions. Specifically, as detailed in the tender documents, at least three alternatives will be analysed with the different possibilities for action.

Alternatives

• Alternative 0 – a minimum initiative – would consist of identifying or implementing a loading/unloading and/or transshipment facility for goods in the Zaragoza area with the aim of enabling the continuity of international traffic coming down from Canfranc via the existing Iberian gauge network to Catalonia.

• Alternative 1 consists of analysing the implementation of a loading, unloading and transshipment terminal for goods in the Tardienta area (Huesca) and, from there, traffic would continue towards Barcelona via Iberian gauge on the Tardienta-Sant Vicenç de Calders line.

• Alternative 3 – the most ambitious one – would consist of transporting goods directly on standard gauge line without breaking the load from Canfranc to the Mediterranean Corridor. To do this, the viability of implementing standard gauge on the Zaragoza-San Vicenç de Calders route would have to be analysed.