The contract was awarded to Comsa Consortium, Fergrupo, and Constructora San Jose and involves the construction of eight overpasses, three underpasses and six bridges including the 575m Palheta bridge and the 358m Pardiela bridge. The single-track line will have provision for a second track to be laid.

The contract will be 40% funded through the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

The new section of railway is part of a project to build an 80km new line connecting Évora North with Elvas on the East Line, which already provides a rail connection with Badajoz in Spain. The new line will provide a direct link between the ports of Setúbal and Sines and Spain.

A new line is being built between Evora North and Elvas.

Two sections are already under construction between Freixo and Alandroal (20.5km) and from there to Elvas (38.5km). Work upgrading the 11km section between Elvas and Caia on the Spanish border was completed this month, including preparation for the installation of ERTMS and electrification, at a cost of €20.4m.

The upgraded track between Elvas and Caia.

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