The transformation works at Atocha Cercanías, carried out by Adif, necessitated the service interruption on this section. During the closure, the C-5 operated in two segments: trains ran between Humanes or Fuenlabrada and Villaverde Alto, and between Móstoles El Soto and Embajadores, with 10-minute frequencies. Additionally, shuttle trains operated between Villaverde Alto and Méndez Álvaro with intermediate stops, and EMT buses were available for Cercanías ticket holders.
The C-5 reopening coincides with the third and final phase of works at Atocha, scheduled until August 28th, affecting lines C-2, C-7, C-8a, C-8b, and C-10. These efforts aim to implement a new track layout to enhance capacity and service fluidity, particularly during peak hours.
Lines C-2, C-7, C-8a, C-8b, and C-10 are experiencing route and frequency adjustments. For instance, the C-2 runs via the contour line between Guadalajara and Chamartín, with frequencies of 20-30 minutes. The C-7 operates between Alcalá de Henares and Atocha every 12-16 minutes, while the Príncipe Pío-Nuevos Ministerios section has 30-minute frequencies.
The C-8a and C-8b lines offer service between El Escorial/Cercedilla and Atocha every 30-60 minutes. The C-10 service is limited to the Villalba-Delicias route with 30-minute frequencies, and access to its platforms at Méndez Álvaro remains closed.
Further disruptions are planned for lines C-3 and C-4 on the weekends of August 29-30 and September 5-6, impacting the Sol tunnel. Provisional terminal stations will be established at Atocha and Nuevos Ministerios.
The overall transformation project for Atocha Cercanías, with an investment of approximately 56 million euros, will alter the track configuration to increase the capacity of the Sol tunnel by up to 33% from October onwards. The works, funded by NextGenerationEU funds, are concentrated during the summer to minimize user inconvenience.
