Thales and Siemens introduce their traffic control and security technologies on the Chamartín – Torrejón de Velasco high-speed section

Adif has awarded the Thales and Siemens joint venture, a contract to carry out the works for the signalling facilities, train protection systems, fixed telecommunications and centralised traffic control for the Chamartín-Torrejón de Velasco section. At a cost of €34.8 million, this project will also include works on the 7.3 km long Atocha-Chamartín tunnel and a maintenance period of 36 months.

The project will connect the Madrid-Valladolid-North high-speed lines with the Madrid-Seville-Southeast Spain high-speed lines; totalling 37km, of which 7.3km run through the new UIC gauge Atocha-Chamartín tunnel.

Siemens Rail Automation will be responsible for modernising the Trackguard Westrace technology electrical interlocking located at Chamartín station and its extension as far as the new southern head of Chamartín station, and will undertake adjustments to the Centralised Traffic Centre (CTC) responsible for the Madrid-Valladolid and Madrid-Southeast Spain high-speed lines. Furthermore, it will provide its ASFA train protection system in the Atocha-Chamartín tunnel and on the track section up to Torrejón de Velasco. Finally, Siemens Rail Automation will install its Clearguard FS3000 line circuits along with LED signals and associated cabling, and will carry out auxiliary civil engineering works as well as the construction of a technical building in Chamartín.

Thales will take responsibility for extending and adapting the existing level 1 and level 2 ERTMS protection system in Chamartín station, including the modification of two control centres. It will also provide LockTrac electronic interlockings, ERMTS L1 AlTrac train protection equipment, security systems (CCTV) and fixed telecommunications to the Chamartín and Torrejón de Velasco section to facilitate the circulation of trains. Thales will also extend the train traffic control and protection facilities at the Torrejón de Velasco junction, Madrid-Seville high-speed line, with the necessary technology for the link with the new line. It will also adapt the CTC on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line.

Thales Spain and Siemens Rail Automation boast lengthy domestic and international experience in high-speed, conventional and metropolitan rail line security systems. Both companies have worked together on projects on different Spanish high-speed lines.