The rail connection to Spain’s largest port in Algeciras will be closed at least until August due to the recent storms that hit southern Spain. Mayor José Ignacio Landaluce denounced the situation as unacceptable, highlighting the years of neglect towards the infrastructure.
There is only one line that reaches the port of Algeciras, which connects to the main network Bobadilla. The line was severely damaged by the storms that hit the area in February, leaving the port in a state of unacceptable isolation, the mayor said according to various Spanish media.
Disruptions upon disruptions
In addition to the works to restore the line, there are the ones to adapt the infrastructure for the launch of the Algeciras-Zaragoza rail highway. Tunnels and underpasses are being upgraded along the whole section, further contributing to the disruptions. Because of these issues, there has been a significant shift from rail to road at the port since 2024.
The launch of a rail highway between Algeciras and Zaragoza, that is enabling the rail transport of semi-trailers, has been delayed multiple times. It is still unclear when the infrastructure will be ready, with estimates going from the end of this year, to Autumn 2027 or even 2029 in the more pessimistic scenarios.