description Pajares Base Tunnel Overview
The Pajares Base Tunnel is a major high-speed railway tunnel currently under construction beneath the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain. It forms a crucial part of the Madrid-to-Asturias high-speed rail corridor, specifically designed to bypass the steep and challenging gradients of the historical Pajares railway ramp. The project consists of two parallel tubes stretching over 25 kilometers to significantly improve travel times and rail capacity on the route.
help Pajares Base Tunnel FAQ
When will the Pajares Base Tunnel open?
The Pajares Base Tunnel has been under construction as part of Spain's high-speed rail upgrade to the Madrid–Oviedo corridor and has faced years of delays. As of the mid-2020s, the tunnel was reported to be largely structurally complete but its opening has been pushed back due to signaling and financing issues.
What is the Pajares ramp that the new base tunnel replaces?
The historic Pajares ramp is a famously steep and difficult section of the conventional railway line crossing the Cantabrian Mountains between León and Asturias in northern Spain. The new Pajares Base Tunnel bypasses this ramp, enabling high-speed rail traffic on what was previously a slow and gradient-limited route.
How long is the Pajares Base Tunnel?
The Pajares Base Tunnel consists of two parallel tubes each approximately 28.4 kilometers long, making it one of the longest railway tunnels in Spain. It is designed for high-speed trains and includes cross-passages and an emergency evacuation gallery.
Which cities will the Pajares Base Tunnel connect?
The Pajares Base Tunnel is intended to form a key link on the Madrid–Asturias high-speed rail line, connecting the Spanish capital with Oviedo and Gijón in Asturias. Once fully operational, it will substantially reduce travel times between the Meseta and Spain's northern coast.
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