Thales Win Modernisation Contract in Spain

Thales España – signalling

Thales España has won the contract to modernise the signalling and traffic control systems for Irun Station in Spain. Irun Station is a vital stop on the trans-European rail network.

This will allow France and Spain to be connected to the international-gauge high-speed rail network. It’s a hugely complex, large-scale project, allowing trains to travel on three different gauges.

It crosses national borders and will be vital for Spain as it connects the country to rest of Europe.

Adif – maintenance and installation

The contract is worth €13.6m and comprises in part updating of the signalling system. A third rail also had to be installed to realise the international gauge and Adif received financial support for this part of the works. As a result the Astigarraga-Irún section of the railway line can be integrated with the Basque Country in Spain.

When the work is complete, the trains stopping at Irún Station will be able to choose whether to run on international gauge, Iberian gauge or mixed gauge.

The works are to be completed within a year and a half. The contract will also pay for Adif to maintain the facilities for the coming twenty years.

Thales will deliver its latest signalling and rail traffic control systems, fitting advanced electronic interlocking and an axle-counting system to allow train detection to be reliable.

The works will optimise parts and wiring as they will require less maintenance, keeping the whole system running more smoothly.

None of the works will interfere with train traffic, keeping the disruption to moving passengers and freight to a minimum.