Spanish Ministry for Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA) has approved the informative study for the construction of Nogales de Pisuerga – Reinosa high-speed line with a EUR 800 million investment.
With this decision, continuity is given to the already approved study between Palencia and Nogales de Pisuerga for the high-speed rail connection to Cantabria, with the construction of a new 43 km section to Reinosa.
The informative study included the design and analysis of different layout alternatives for the creation of a new high-speed railway section to access Cantabria between Nogales de Pisuerga (Palencia) and Reinosa (Cantabria), independent of the conventional line.
Following allegations and reports received during the public information phase, both the informative study and the environmental impact study highlight the combination of alternatives in three geographical areas. The eastern alternative (1st area) involves the connection between Nogales de Pisuerga and Mataporquera
including a succession of tunnels and viaducts located west of A-67 motorway. This variant also covers an access bypass to the Aguilar station planned as a single track linked to new high-speed line in both directions, the removal of two existing level crossings, the construction of standard-gauge tracks at Aguilar station – which will be also modernised – and platform adaption.
The eastern alternative (2nd area) in Mataporquera crosses the A-67 motorway and guarantees less impact on existing population centres of Quintanillas de Hormiguera as well as mining operations in Mataporquera area. This variant includes three junctions with the road N-611 (between Palencia and Santander), two with A-67 motorway and two with the existing railway line.
The western alternative (3rd area), between Mataporquera and Reinosa, would provide a rail line from Pozazal stop ending at Reinosa town, where a gauge changer is planned to be installed. In this alternative, the line runs mainly west of A-67 motorway and is part of the high-speed connection to Cantabria and continues the already approved study between Palencia and Nogales de Pisuerga.
In September 2020, the General Directorate of Planning and Evaluation of the Railway Network published in the Official State Gazette of the Government (BOE) the informative study for Nogales de Pisuerga – Reinosa high-speed line which was submitted to public consultation.
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