Adif has announced the start of the critical phase of works at Atocha Cercanías station this summer. The main objective is to implement a new track layout that will increase the capacity of the Sol tunnel by 33%, improve service reliability, and streamline traffic, especially in case of incidents. These technically complex operations will affect the Cercanías service starting July 17.
From July 17 to July 22, lines C-3, C-4, and C-5 will undergo modifications. The C-3 line will start and end its route at Villaverde Bajo, requiring a transfer to the C-4 to continue towards Atocha and Chamartín. The C-4a line (Parla-Alcobendas/San Sebastián de los Reyes) will be suspended between Atocha and Parla, operating between Atocha and Alcobendas/San Sebastián de los Reyes, while the C-4b line (Parla-Colmenar Viejo) will run normally. The C-5 line will start and end at Atocha, necessitating a transfer at the same station to continue towards Humanes/Fuenlabrada or Móstoles-El Soto.
Subsequently, from July 23 to August 16, the C-5 line will experience a total closure between Villaverde Alto and Embajadores. Shuttle trains will operate between Villaverde Alto and Méndez Álvaro every 35 minutes, while the Humanes/Fuenlabrada–Villaverde Alto and Móstoles El Soto–Embajadores routes will maintain 10-minute frequencies.
Between August 1 and August 28, lines C-2, C-7, C-8a, C-8b, and C-10 will also be affected. Contour tracks will be used for the C-2 and C-7, with modified frequencies. Lines C-8a and C-8b will operate with reduced frequencies between El Escorial/Cercedilla and Atocha. The C-10 will have 30-minute frequencies between Villalba and Delicias, with closed platform access at Méndez Álvaro.
On the weekends of August 29-30 and September 5-6, closures will occur in the Sol tunnel between Atocha and Nuevos Ministerios, affecting lines C-3 and C-4, which will have provisional termini at Atocha and Nuevos Ministerios.
Passengers with valid Cercanías tickets can use the regular EMT bus services. Renfe will provide information on all modifications through its usual channels. These works are concentrated during the summer period to minimize inconvenience.
The project, with an investment of nearly 56 million euros, aims to transform the track layout from 4+3+3 to 4+4+2, assigning specific tracks to the Recoletos, Sol, and Embajadores tunnels. This will increase the Sol tunnel's capacity by 33% from October onwards, benefiting lines C3 and C4 and improving morning rush hour flow.
The works include the construction of a false tunnel to connect Embajadores with Sol, the expansion of platform 5, the remodeling of track 10, and the adaptation of Control, Command, and Signaling (CMS) systems. Atocha Cercanías station handled over 82 million passengers last year.
The definitive connection of the Sol-Embajadores tunnels and the adaptation of track 8 are key. Structural elements will be demolished, new supports and a connecting false tunnel will be built. Track 8 will play a fundamental role, absorbing trains from the Sol tunnel.
Other works include the renovation of the diagonal between tracks 7-10, the construction of retaining walls, and the relocation of tracks in the yard. Four new sidings are being built at the southern head for 200-meter trains and maintenance machinery.
Concurrently, all signaling, safety, and traffic control systems are being adapted. These actions contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9.
European funding through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, financed by the European Union-NextGenerationEU, supports the implementation of the 4+4+2 track layout at Atocha Cercanías.
