Benidorm-Denia tramline should be in operation by beginning of 2023

The TRAM d'Alacant is gradually extending its reach

Connectivity continues to improve in the Alicante Region and one of the key infrastructure projects, the TRAM d'Alacant is gradually extending its reach along the coast.

The Alicante Metropolitan Tram light rail service combines a variety of modes of rail service; in the centre of the city it is a modern tramway, as it heads out along the coast it becomes a tram -train between Alicante and Benidorm, then from this point onwards the service links into a traditional diesel-powered commuter rail service (track 9) joining Benidorm to Dénia, stopping at other commuter towns such as Altea and Calp.

This “Track 9” is currently undergoing full conversion to permit the tram-train which currently runs to Benidorm to continue its journey, improving services and facilities, although inevitably is causing disruption to the existing service as a bus must be used while sections are under construction.

On Monday, the regional Minister for Territorial Policy, Public Works and Mobility, Arcadi España, visited the track renovation works in the section that connects Teulada and Dénia, passing through Gata, of Track 9 during which he stated that Track 9 will be ready to begin operations at the beginning of 2023.

During his visit the Minister explained that the objective is for Dénia and Benidorm to be connected by the end of current legislature as "all the administrative procedures are finished and the works that involve reworking or duplicating bridges have yet to be completed, as well as the safety tests that must be carried out at the end." Gata, he said, would have rail access by the end of next year.

For the minister, the modernization of the L9 of the Tram d'Alacant "is the most important action that the Generalitat Valenciana regional Government has undertaken in terms of transport in the entire Region".

The investment is significant; 30 million euros for the global modernization of Line 9, of which 15 million euros are for the section between Dénia and Gata and the regional Government has “invested more than 130 million euros into the to recover the rail service between Benidorm and Dénia, and achieve quality standards comparable to the rest of the autonomous network in Alicante ".

Works between Teulada and Dénia

The renovation works between Teulada and Dénia affect about 17 kilometers of track and correspond to the last section included in the modernization project of this line. Currently, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) is executing two construction projects between Teulada-Gata de Gorgos and Gata de Gorgos-Dénia, with a joint cost of more than 30 million euros.

Work began on the Teulada-Gata de Gorgos section in August this year, with an expected execution period of 12 months. Among the most important actions in this section, along with the actual renovation of the track, is the adaptation of the vertical clearance of the tunnels.

Between Gata de Gorgos and Dénia, the planned works have been underway since May of this year, with an execution period of 11 and a half months. A tramway for the urban layout of Dénia is planned within this section.

The aim of this action is to achieve a comprehensive renovation and modernization of this section of Line 9 in terms of rail, sleepers and ballast. The objective of the work is to improve safety conditions, promote user comfort, the durability of the road and reduce maintenance.

The state of a good part of the infrastructure of this section, especially embankments, drainage and the slopes require actions to consolidate them.

Parallel to these actions, FGV has already awarded the acquisition of the supply of sleepers and rails for the renewal of these two sections. The public company has adjudicated the purchase of 19,000 concrete monoblock metric gauge sleepers for an amount of 1,643,785 euros, and 30,600 linear meters of 54E1 grade R260 rail track, at a cost of 1,443,572.77 euros.

These works, like the rest of the actions in this line, are co-financed by the European Union, through the Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund (Feder).

Other actions on Track 9

In parallel to the renovation works, last July FGV began to remodel the platforms and improve the accessibility of the stations and stops on part of Line 1 (Benidorm-Alicante) and Line 9 ( Benidorm-Dénia) for an amount of 11.7 million euros.

These works will make it possible to condition the current platforms for passenger access to the new dual low-floor trains that FGV has incorporated, for the time being, on Lines 1 and 3, in Alicante. This investment will affect 7 stations and stops on Line 9 and another nine stops on Line 1 have been included, in the section between Benidorm and Cala Piteres, to include accessibility improvements.

The construction of a railway variant next to the current viaduct over the Quisi ravine is also included in the works.

The signaling, communications, energy and ATP works, with a budget of close to 17 million euros, are being carried out in accordance with the commissioning of the new sections, until the entire Line 9 is completed.