High speed lines
Madrid – Valladolid line
PRIORITY PROJECT
Service start-up:
- 2007, 22nd december.
The high-speed international-gauge line that will unite Madrid and Valladolid represents a fundamental element in the rail development of the north and northwest of Spain. At the same time, it forms part of the European Atlantic Railway axis, and is, therefore, considered by the EU as one of the 14 priority transportation projects of the next few years.
It will replace the present route that connects Madrid and the south of the peninsula with Castile-León and all of the north-northwestern part of Spain through Avila. That route was designed and constructed over a century ago and has become obsolete with regards to the demands of travelers and the economy of the 21st century.
ADVANTAGES
Area of influence
The line will benefit a widespread area that represents over 30% of the national population and area indices.
Regional backbone
It will improve the inter-regional transport system, providing a central structure for the Castile-León Autonomous Region and fomenting socioeconomic development and business competitiveness.
All of the routes between the peninsular center and north-northwest will be developed off of the Madrid-Segovia-Valladolid line.
In the fork at Medina del Campo it will connect with Salamanca and the Portuguese border.
The line that goes toward Galicia via Zamora will also branch off from this line.
From Valladolid the line will continue northward through Palencia and Venta de Baños to branch into the lines that go to Asturias (via León), Santander and, via Burgos, to the Basque Country and France.
Increase in safety
Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technology in automatic train-driving systems and the absence of level crossings the whole length of the route.
Reduction of distance
The route between Madrid and Valladolid is 68.5 km shorter, going from its present 248 km to 179.5.
Reduction of time per journey.
Close to a half an hour to get to Segovia and around one hour to get to
Valladolid.
