Spanish rail infrastructure managers Adif and Adif AV have announced that construction work started on 5th March 2023 on the Mediterranean Corridor in the provinces of Castelló (Valencia region) and Tarragona (Catalonia). The projects to convert the existing line to standard gauge will be carried out in two phases. First, passing sidings will be built, detour and replacement services will be introduced, drainage will be renewed, a new track superstructure will be built, and the electrification system will be adapted. In the second phase, the track gauge will be changed from Iberian broad gauge (1,688 mm) to European standard gauge (1,435 mm) over a total length of around 190 km. The work concerns the Castelló – Vinaròs, Vinaròs – Vandellòs, and Vandellòs – Cambiador de la Boella sections as well as the branch to Tortosa. The standard-gauge upgrading of the Mediterranean corridor is aimed at interoperable, end-to-end passenger rail and rail freight services to and from the European Union.
