AVE viaduct in Alhama de Murcia finally completed
The nearly two-kilometre structure is a key part of the Murcia-Almería rail corridor and aims to improve connectivity while reducing flood risk
Work on the high-speed rail line through Alhama de Murcia has reached a new stage, with the main structure of a viaduct measuring almost 1.94 kilometres now complete.
The viaduct forms part of the Murcia-Almería section of the Mediterranean Corridor, a route of around 200 kilometres. The structure successfully underwent load testing with lorries two weeks ago, and the next phase will focus on installing the overhead electrification system and laying the railway tracks.
During a recent visit to the site, Government Delegate for the Region of Murcia Francisco Lucas described the viaduct as a central element of the project. He explained that raising the railway line above ground level allows it to pass through the municipality without dividing it, maintaining connections for pedestrians, cyclists and road traffic.
The elevated design is also intended to address local flooding concerns. By allowing water to pass beneath the structure, the viaduct is expected to reduce disruption to the area’s natural drainage network and improve the response to periods of heavy rainfall, helping to protect nearby agricultural land and the town centre.
The project is part of wider investment in rail infrastructure across the Region of Murcia, which also includes a new road bridge in Torre Pacheco for the AVE line between Murcia and Cartagena. According to the government, more than €2.35 billion has been allocated to modernise the network since 2018, with all sections of the Mediterranean Corridor between Murcia and Almería either completed or currently under construction.
In addition to the viaduct, plans are in place for a new railway station in Alhama de Murcia. The facility is intended to accommodate both passenger and freight services and to connect with other forms of transport, including road traffic and cycling routes.
Earlier this year, Adif Alta Velocidad awarded a contract worth around €2.9 million to the Valencian firm Torrescamara y Cía de Obras SA for the construction of access roads to the future commuter station.
Minister of Transport Óscar Puente had previously confirmed the progress of testing on the viaduct, which is one of the most significant structures along this section of the corridor.
For more local information, including news and forthcoming events, visit the home page of Alhama Today
Images: Ayuntamiento de Alhama de Murcia
Address
Tourist Office Alhama de Murcia, Plaza Constitucion. Frente Auditorio, nº 10, 30840, ALHAMA DE MURCIATel: 968 633 512
Oficina de Turismo de Alhama de Murcia
Alhama de Murcia Tourist information office is located on the edge of the Plaza de la Constitución, just a few metres away from the underground car park and the Town hall of Alhama de Murcia.
The tourist office offers free guided audiotours in English which take visitors around the historical sites of interest in Alhama. These be loaned at any time, although allow an hour and a half to complete the tour, and when loaning the audio equipment visitors are asked to leave passports or ID cards with the tourist office.
The office also carries a full range of leaflets for the archaeological museum of Los Baños, which is built around the historic spa which gives Alhama its name, and the mountains of Sierra Espuña, which is also an important area within the municipality of Alhama. Areas such as El Berro and Gebas have a number of interesting routes which can be followed and there are several picnic areas and good walking routes within the Sierra Espuña natural park.
The tourist office also carries leaflets for the many cultural events and fiestas which take place in Alhama throughout the year, including Los Mayos, Semana Santa, Christmas,the Romería of La Candelaria and the Auto de los Reyes Magos in El Berro.
Opening Hours
Winter (September 16 – May 31)
- Tuesday to Friday: 9am-2pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm
- Saturdays: 10am-1pm
- Sundays and Mondays: closed
Summer (June 1 to September 15)
- Tuesday to Friday: 08.30 to 14.30
- Saturdays: 10.00 to 13.00
- Sundays and Mondays: closed
For more local information, including news and forthcoming events, visit the home page of Alhama Today.
