Infrastructure

Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail: €9.6 Million in New Funding

Published November 27, 2025 | Category: Infrastructure

TL;DR: Spain has approved €9.6 million in new supply contracts for the Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail, supporting progress on the Lorca–Vera and Vera–Almería sections as the corridor moves toward full assembly and electrification.

Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail: Progress, Funding and Next Steps

The Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail has received a new funding package worth €9.6 million from Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, managed through Adif Alta Velocidad. The contracts focus on supplying essential technical components required for the next stage of track assembly.

Of this amount, €5.3 million is dedicated to advanced turnouts for the Vera–Almería section. These systems allow high-speed trains to safely change tracks and are crucial for finalizing the alignment.

A further €4.3 million is assigned to expansion joints for the Lorca–Vera segment. These devices absorb rail movement caused by temperature changes, ensuring long-term structural integrity and safety.

The investment adds to previous contracts for sleepers, rail sections, drainage systems and safety equipment, forming a comprehensive package that transitions the corridor into its technical phase.

Construction progress across the Murcia–Almería High-Speed Rail corridor

Work along the nearly 200 km Murcia–Almería corridor is now entering a coordinated phase of track installation, electrification and systems integration. Platform construction is largely completed, opening the way for full assembly.

On the Murcia–Lorca stretch, track laying is already underway, supported by ongoing electrification works that include catenary supports, power-supply structures and transformer installations.

The Lorca–Vera section is preparing for its final assembly phase. Deliveries of sleepers, fastening systems and structural components are ongoing, while contractors finalize tender procedures for on-site assembly.

Between Vera and Almería, construction teams are installing materials previously contracted, including rails, sleepers and turnout systems. This section includes multiple viaducts, access zones and tunnel approaches, all requiring precise coordination.

Across the entire route, progress continues on ERTMS signalling, fibre-optic communication networks, noise protection barriers and energy substations — all of which must be in place before test runs begin.

Technical specifications and engineering highlights

The high-speed line is designed for operations up to 300 km/h, using double standard-gauge track. In select sections, it runs parallel to Iberian-gauge freight lines, allowing simultaneous passenger and logistics use.

Major engineering structures include long tunnels, multi-span viaducts and complex cut-and-cover works. One of the most distinctive achievements is the completed Viaduct of the Ugly Ones, marking a major structural milestone on the Almería side.

Other technical elements include reinforced retaining walls, advanced drainage systems, anti-vibration slabs and concrete structures designed to withstand high-speed dynamic loads.

Urban integration and station connections

At both the Murcia and Almería ends of the corridor, urban integration works play a major role. The transformation of Almería’s rail access — including its underground connection — is coordinated with the high-speed project and managed jointly by Adif and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

In Almería city, tunnel entrances, ventilation systems and safety corridors are being prepared to interface with the new underground alignment. Once complete, the connection will link directly with the future intermodal station.

Regional benefits: faster mobility and stronger links

The new corridor will significantly improve long-distance travel for Almería Province. Shorter travel times to Murcia, Alicante, Valencia, Catalonia and Madrid will reshape travel patterns for both residents and businesses.

For Vera, the future high-speed station will create a direct link between inland towns and major destinations across eastern Spain. Improved accessibility is expected to boost year-round tourism in areas such as Vera Playa, Garrucha and Mojácar.

Students, workers, medical travellers and seasonal visitors will benefit from faster, more predictable transport options that reduce dependence on long road journeys.

Economic and territorial impact

Infrastructure projects of this scale often stimulate investment around station areas. As the Murcia–Almería corridor advances, interest is already increasing in residential and commercial development near key nodes.

Almería’s agricultural sector stands to gain from improved logistics, as faster freight connections help reduce distribution times to national and European markets.

Local governments also anticipate improvements in public transport integration, road access, and urban renewal tied to the arrival of high-speed services.

Outlook and next steps

With new contracts activated for turnouts, expansion joints, electrification components and signalling systems, the Murcia–Almería corridor is moving decisively toward its final phase. The next stages include full track assembly, systems testing and certification.

Although specific operational dates may shift as work progresses, current indicators show stable momentum toward fully incorporating Almería into Spain’s high-speed rail network.

For official updates, progress documents and technical reports, visit Adif Alta Velocidad and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Infrastructure category.

Infrastructure

Mojacar coastal bypass now open: new A-1203 section reduces traffic

Mojacar coastal bypass A-1203 roundabout near Las Marinas

Published March 30, 2026 | Category: Infrastructure

TL;DR: The Mojacar coastal bypass (A-1203) has been extended with a new 1.9 km section, now open to traffic. The project adds three roundabouts, improves access to La Parata and Playa del Cantal, and is expected to ease congestion along the busy coastal road.

Mojacar coastal bypass extended: new A-1203 section now open

The second phase of the Mojacar coastal bypass (A-1203) is now open to traffic, completing a key section of infrastructure designed to improve connections between Mojacar Pueblo and the coastal areas.

The new stretch, measuring 1,936 metres, links the roundabout on the AL-5107 with Las Marinas, extending the original bypass that has been in operation since 2005.

This extension forms part of a coordinated project between regional authorities and the Mojacar municipality, aimed at improving mobility in one of the most active and congested parts of the area.

Three roundabouts to manage access and flow

The new section includes three roundabouts, designed to regulate traffic and improve access to surrounding residential and coastal zones.

Two of the roundabouts feature dual lanes with a diameter of 53 metres, while a third roundabout at the end of the route has a single lane and a diameter of 40 metres.

In addition to traffic control, these junctions provide improved access to nearby developments via service roads, including areas such as La Parata and zones close to Playa del Cantal.

Stronger link between town and coast

The extension reinforces the connection between Mojacar Pueblo and the coastal strip, particularly through improved links with the AL-5107.

New transverse roads are planned as part of the wider project, with at least one already completed, helping to distribute traffic more efficiently across the area.

This is expected to improve accessibility for both residents and visitors moving between inland and coastal zones.

Reducing pressure on the coastal road

A key objective of the project is to reduce congestion along Mojacar’s coastal road, which regularly experiences heavy traffic during weekends, holidays and the summer season.

By providing an alternative route and improving traffic distribution, the new section is expected to contribute to smoother traffic flow and enhanced road safety.

Investment and long-term role

The project represents an investment of approximately €5.32 million and forms part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure and traffic flow in Mojacar’s coastal areas. The development of this section of the A-1203 has been coordinated between regional authorities and the local council, as outlined by the Junta de Andalucía.

Although relatively short in length, this section plays a strategic role in completing the coastal bypass and supporting ongoing development in key areas such as Las Marinas and the surrounding coastline.

Want to stay updated on infrastructure, roadworks and major projects across the province? Explore more in our Infrastructure section.

Infrastructure

Air Nostrum increases Almeria–Melilla flights to 13 per week for summer 2026

Air Nostrum regional aircraft operating a PSO flight from Almeria Airport

Published 30 January 2026 | Infrastructure

TL;DR Air Nostrum will increase the number of weekly flights between Almeria and Melilla from 10 to 13 during the 2026 summer season, strengthening Public Service Obligation air connections between the autonomous city and Andalusia.

Air Nostrum increases Almeria–Melilla flights to 13 per week for summer 2026

Air Nostrum, the regional airline operating under the Iberia Group, will strengthen air connectivity between Almeria and Melilla during the 2026 summer season as part of an expansion of Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes linking the autonomous city with Andalusia.

Specifically for Almeria, the airline will increase weekly frequencies from 10 to 13 flights, representing a 36% increase in available seats between April and October. The route will operate twice daily on most days, with a single daily flight on Thursdays.

This increase reinforces Almeria’s role as a key transport link for residents and visitors travelling between both sides of the Alboran Sea.

PSO network expanded across Andalusia

The reinforcement of the Almeria route forms part of a broader expansion of PSO air services connecting Melilla with Seville, Almeria and Granada. Combined, weekly frequencies across these routes will increase from 22 to 31 flights, improving overall capacity by up to 35%.

Seville will see the largest increase, with seat capacity rising by 62%, supported by near-daily operations and double frequencies on Fridays. The connection with Granada will also be strengthened, increasing from eight to eleven weekly flights, with double daily connections on four days of the week.

Tickets for the expanded summer schedule are already available through the Iberia booking system and authorised travel agencies.

Passenger demand continues to grow

The capacity increase follows continued growth in passenger demand. During 2025, Air Nostrum transported more than 525,000 passengers on routes connecting with Melilla, marking a 5% year-on-year increase and the fourth consecutive annual record.

During the 2025 Christmas period alone, more than 27,300 passengers travelled to or from Melilla, representing a further 4% increase compared to the previous year.

Air Nostrum currently operates flights to 59 destinations

Air Nostrum currently operates flights to 59 destinations in nine countries across Europe and North Africa. The airline has a fleet of 45 new-generation aircraft and employs around 1,600 staff. Since its founding, it has carried over 115 million passengers.

Follow major transport projects, connectivity upgrades and strategic developments across the province in our Infrastructure section.

Infrastructure

AVE in Almeria: track switch contract defines future operating speeds

AVE in Almeria high-speed rail line with track switches and signalling equipment

Published January 24, 2026 | Category: Infrastructure

TL;DR: A newly awarded ADIF contract defines how fast and how flexibly AVE trains will be able to operate in Almeria. The supply of track switches for the Vera–Almeria section sets concrete speed limits and operational rules long before services actually begin.

AVE in Almeria enters a technical phase that defines future operating speeds

The AVE project in Almeria has reached a stage where decisions are no longer primarily about construction progress, but about how the railway will function once it becomes operational.

ADIF Alta Velocidad has awarded a contract for the supply and delivery of railway turnouts on the Vera–Almeria section, a step that translates infrastructure works into defined operating parameters.

Contract value and execution timeline

The contract has been awarded for €4.37 million (excluding VAT), slightly below the original tender budget of €4.45 million. The execution period is set at 16 months, consistent with the transition from civil engineering to rail systems installation.

The procedure was conducted openly and awarded solely on price, with two bids submitted.

Supplier and European co-financing

The contract was formalised on January 5, 2026 and awarded to Mieres Rail, a specialised manufacturer of railway track components based in Asturias.

The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021–2027, highlighting the strategic role of the Murcia–Almeria corridor within the broader European rail network.

What is being supplied

The contract covers the manufacture, pre-assembly, transport and delivery of ten complete railway turnouts, including switch blades, crossing elements, point mechanisms and related components.

These elements are essential for network functionality. Turnouts define where trains can change tracks, how traffic is managed and the maximum speeds permitted through each section.

Defined speeds and track hierarchy

The technical specifications included in the contract provide insight into how the AVE line in Almeria is intended to operate.

One high-speed turnout is designed for 350 km/h on the straight route and 220 km/h on the diverging route. Two additional high-speed turnouts are also rated for 350 km/h on straight alignment, with lower speeds when diverging.

In addition, the contract includes conventional turnouts intended for operational manoeuvres, overtaking and traffic regulation, operating at reduced speeds.

Mixed-gauge elements and network integration

Four of the supplied turnouts are designed for mixed gauge, allowing operation on both standard and Iberian gauge tracks. This reflects the need to integrate high-speed services with existing infrastructure during the gradual adaptation of the corridor.

These mixed-gauge components are part of the long-term operational layout rather than temporary solutions, acknowledging the technical complexity of the Vera–Almeria section.

Why these decisions matter

Each turnout is built for a specific role and speed range. These characteristics are fixed within the physical geometry of the track and directly influence signalling systems, traffic capacity and timetable planning.

Once installed, altering these parameters involves substantial cost and disruption. As a result, this contract effectively sets the operational framework under which AVE services will eventually run in Almeria.

These technical choices are a key step in defining how the AVE in Almeria will operate once services begin.

A shift toward operational definition

Earlier stages of the project focused on visible construction milestones. This phase is different: it defines how the infrastructure will actually be used.

What this contract means for the AVE in Almeria

While AVE services have yet to begin, the technical groundwork is being laid in a way that leaves little room for later adjustment. The project is moving from construction planning toward operational reality, governed by engineering choices rather than political timelines.

Follow long-term rail projects, infrastructure planning and transport developments across the province in our Infrastructure section.