Line 9 to reopen between Altea and Calpe

RAIL traffic is expected to resume this week between the stations at Olla de Altea through to Calpe, by Valencia Railways (FGV) told news agency EFE.

The stops between L-9 (Benidorm-Denia)of the TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante were cut on August 29 for works to the infrastructure, and the construction of several viaducts to secure the track.

This was the day after a tram transporting 12 passengers derailed on this line without any casualties being reported. The suspension of rail service was essential to carry out the work, and as planned, has lasted only 14 weeks.

The project envolved the re-construction of several embankments that had been damaged in recent years by heavy rains, and which had affected the stability of the land over which the track passed. FGV will continue working in the area in the coming months to finish the project, but importantly with traffic restored the rail user should not be subject to the delays and inconveniente of using the shuttle bus between the previously affected stations.

It is estimated that the whole project will be completed within 24 weeks. FGV has invested €2.7 million in these works, which will help ensure the comfort and safety of users of the TRAM Line 9 linking Benidorm and Denia, according to local daily Informacion.

For the passing pedestrian observer, it can be seen that over the past three months, FGV have built three impressive viaducts on this section which were necessary to support the track.

The longest of these being 146 metres in length. To support the weight of the train, engineers had to dig piles up to 32 metres down. And although most of the engineering works will now remain buried, beneath the trains the works have consumed 732 tons of steel, and 3,600 cubic meters of concrete.

Uncen but essential to ensure the structural integrity of the track. Special engineering was required in the construction due to the constant movement of land in this area, said an FGV spokesman.