Pajares Tunnels

The Pajares Tunnels form part of the León–Asturias High-Speed Line and are one of the most complex railway infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Spain. With a total length of 24,648 metres, they are among the longest railway tunnels in Europe and represent a strategic initiative to improve the rail link between the Meseta and the Principality of Asturias. The geological and geotechnical complexity of the Cantabrian Mountains made this project a major civil engineering challenge

ERSIGROUP was involved in the supply, fabrication and assembly of the reinforcement structures, which were primarily used in the manufacture of precast segments for the tunnel lining. The high production volume required the implementation of industrialised processes based on electro-welded panels and specialised assembly moulds, thereby optimising production times and ensuring a high degree of geometric precision in each precast element

The use of industrialised systems made it possible to significantly improve productivity, reduce the risks associated with traditional manufacturing and ensure full traceability of the corrugated steel used. Drawing on its experience in major railway infrastructure projects, ERSIGROUP contributed to the delivery of one of Europe’s most significant underground projects, providing solutions tailored to the project’s demanding technical and construction requirements

KEY MILESTONES

• Total length: 24,648 metres
• One of the five longest railway tunnels in Europe
• One of Spain’s largest railway projects
• Mass production of precast segments for tunnel lining
• Use of industrialised systems involving electro-welded panels and assembly moulds
• A flagship project in railway engineering and underground construction