Eloise Horsfield
A PROJECT to build a fast-track railway line along the Costa del Sol has been prioritised by the government.
Part of the so-called ‘Mediterranean Corridor’ – the line from Almeria to Algeciras, via Motril – has been included in the country’s transport infrastructure plan for 2013.
It comes despite the 22% cut in investments in infrastructure announced by Public Works Minister Ana Pastor for next year.
The line could affect thousands of homeowners along the Costa del Sol if it runs, as planned, parallel to the A-7 motorway and then cutting across open farmland inland between Manilva and Algeciras.
Of the total €1,000m invested in the corridor in 2013, some 40% is destined for the Cataluna section.
The government has also said the section running inland between Antequera and Granada remains a priority, with €68m dedicated to the plan next year.
Meanwhile the AVE line linking Spain and France is due to open in April 2013, running from Barcelona to Perpignan.
Will this be completed before the Herradura/Motril section of the A7?
The section from Barcelona down to Valencia (via Castellon) will get built, and as mentioned the Spain/France link opens up in Spring next year – but I think the Andalusian section will eventually be forgotten about. There is already a fast rail link from Malaga to Barcelona.
GREAT!! Does the Spanish Government HAVE the 1 BILLION Euros to pay for this, after it’s 22% CUT in Infrastructure funds
or is this just a PR statement to “make us feel good”?
And half way through the project it will probably go the same way as the Antequera test track. Mothballed.
This idea’s been around for a while. I thought it had been shelved due to cut-backs. I have to agree with Lynda above, the government should finish one project before starting another! It’s an absolute disgrace the time it has taken to build the A7 through Granada province and it’s still not finished!