The Generalitat has started the first works corresponding to the remodeling works of the platforms and improvement of the accessibility of the stations and stops of Line 9 (Benidorm-Dénia) and part of Line 1 (Luceros-Benidorm) of the TRAM d ' Alacant, for an amount of 11.224.492,40 euros, VAT included.
These works will allow Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) to condition the current platforms for passenger access to the new dual low-floor trains. This investment will affect 13 stations and stops of Line 9 and another 5 stops of Line 1 have been included, in the section between Benidorm and Cala Piteres, to include accessibility improvements.
The first works have begun at the L'Alfàs del Pi station and at the Cami Coves station in the municipality of Benidorm. This action, like the rest of this Line 9, is liable to be co-financed by the European Union through the Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The planned works have been divided into two lots. The first refers to the lowering and adaptation to the platforms of Line 1 of Hospital Vila, CC La Marina-Finestrat, Benidorm, Benidorm Intermodal, and Line 9 the dismantling of Disco Benidorm and renovation of the beach of tracks and railway facilities in Benidorm, with a term of 11,5 months and a budget of 7.333.910,43 euros, VAT included.
The second lot includes the lowering and adaptation of platforms of Line 1 in Cala Piteres and Line 9 in Camí Coves, l'Alfàs del Pi, El Albir, Altea, Garganes, Cap Negret, Olla Altea, Calp, Teulada, Gata de Gorgos and Dénia. The expected term is 10 months and a budget of 3.890.581,97 euros, VAT included.
Currently, the Line 9 platforms are adapted to the needs of the 2.500 series diesel trains, which require elevated access points that are not compatible with the new dual low-floor trains.
This action is part of the different technical initiatives being carried out by the Generalitat, through the FGV, in the Benidorm-Dénia connection, in order to maintain and improve operating conditions, guaranteeing regularity and quality of service with some standards similar to the rest of the FGV network in Alicante.
Between the actions already underway or administrative processing, and those planned for the coming years, the investment of the Generalitat in Line 9 of the TRAM d´Alacant amounts to more than 130 million euros.
Construction project
The purpose of this project is to lower the platforms, improve accessibility and enable the circulation of the new dual units (electrodiesel) on Line 9 Benidorm-Dénia. In addition, the construction project includes the renovation of the beach of the Benidorm station tracks, the point of confluence of Lines 1 and 9, and the construction of a warehouse space next to the passenger access for train parking and carrying out light tasks of inspection and maintenance.
In turn, this intervention will allow the stops of Hospital Vila, CC Comercial La Marina - Finestrat and Garganes, in Altea, to be conditioned for a possible automated closure to be carried out in subsequent projects.
This project has been considered as a pilot test by FGV in Alicante to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of developing a project in a classical way and, in the construction phase, developing it using BIM methodology, and can serve as learning for future actions.
It is a process that is already used in the construction of Metrovalencia Line 10, which begins with the creation of an intelligent 3D model and facilitates document management, coordination and simulation throughout the life cycle of a project. (planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance).
New dual trains
FGV awarded Stadler Rail Valencia for € 43.320.000, VAT included, the manufacturing contract for the six new diesel and electric dual-drive trains for the TRAM d´Alacant.
The new units have a design and technical characteristics, updated in accordance with current regulations and compatible with the use of state-of-the-art security, control and communications systems. With the new trains, greater reliability and safety are obtained, in addition to comfort, accessibility and customer information, in accordance with the standards that FGV provides on the rest of its lines.
The new dual units have numerous accessibility measures, which will significantly improve those currently required by current regulations, marked by Royal Decree 1544/2007, the Valencian Community Law of 2009 on the matter and the norm for EN 14752 doors.
This circumstance is specified both in access to vehicles, as in accessible doors, reserved spaces, and traveler information systems.
In your article regarding Tramd'alacant, there is no mention of La Xara station which has been demolished. Are we losing that station?
My apologies for writing in English.