| Work Detail |
On the one hand, the tracks between Luján and Mercedes will be renovated so that the trains can increase their speed on that section, and on the other hand, the modernization of the entire signaling system on the entire branch is planned, something that could avoid many tragedies like those that have happened recently.
Within the framework of the Railway Emergency, in recent weeks the state-owned company Trenes Argentinos awarded a series of important works for the three branches of the Sarmiento Train: Once-Moreno (electric), Merlo-Lobos and Moreno-Mercedes (both diesel) to improve both their infrastructure and their operation, which are complemented by, for example, future interventions at the Morón and Ramos Mejía stations.
As for the Moreno-Mercedes branch that passes through our city, two highly anticipated developments are coming, such as the renovation of tracks between Luján and Mercedes (photo), and the modernization of the signaling system.
In the case of the works to renew the ascending track of the Sarmiento line between Luján and Mercedes, the tender had been launched in January 2023 and the company finally decided to award the works to the UTE Zonis-Concret Nor-MF, one of the six consortia that had submitted bids at that time. The tendered project includes the comprehensive renovation of the ascending track between both stations, as a complement to the renovation of the descending track on the same section, which had already been completed during 2022.
It is worth noting that the project had been included by Trenes Argentinos in the list of priority works to be carried out within the framework of the railway emergency. This reactivation of the projects - after months of practically total paralysis - is currently focusing on initiatives that have been greatly delayed, such as this one, as well as others that require urgent interventions due to operational risk.
Although the works are divided into two sections (Luján – Olivera and Olivera – Mercedes), both were awarded to the same group of companies. The first covers the route from the Luján stop to the level crossing (PAN) on Avenida Juan XXIII, covering around 15 kilometers, and the second goes from the aforementioned barrier to the end of the route.
The infrastructure renovation aims to improve traffic conditions in the sector, which is used by both the local Moreno – Mercedes and long-distance Once – Bragado services. The work will take about 840 days.
Automatic signaling and braking system
After the measure was published in the Official Gazette, the public tender was confirmed to modernize the signaling system of the Moreno – Mercedes branch of the Sarmiento Train.
The project, launched by Trenes Argentinos Infraestructura, includes “Signaling with Absolute Blocking”, a system that will simplify the train circulation procedure and, in turn, reinforce operational safety.
Thanks to this renewal, it will be possible to stop using an operating methodology whereby the personnel in charge requests a form known as Authorization for Use of Track (AUV) in order to be able to circulate. Only when the AUV is granted by the Argentine Train Control personnel, the train can go out on the track.
Read also: What is the new security measure that the Sarmiento Train will implement in its units?
Read also: "You cant mess with that": the strong warning from a Sarmiento Train union member before the transport strike
The new system automates the operation with the traffic lights placed on the track that indicate that the lane is free for use. In turn, this system will allow the implementation of the ATS Automatic Braking System, providing greater safety and improving the frequency between trains. It will be implemented in a total of four stations: the two terminals (Moreno and Mercedes) and the intermediate stations of General Rodríguez and Luján. The opening of the envelopes is scheduled for January 8, 2025.
The new technology includes the installation of railway traffic lights, train detection systems, electric gear drives and control desks with special software to monitor and control the movement of trains.
It is worth noting that days after the call for tenders for the Moreno-Mercedes branch, Trenes Argentinos did the same for the other diesel branch of the Sarmiento line, that is, Merlo-Lobos. Previously, they had been awarded the work to replace the layout of this corridor in the Las Heras-Lobos section (which is already over 80 years old), an intervention that was announced in 2022 and never carried out.
The Merlo-Lobos branch has had a new schedule since the beginning of November, which went from 12 to 23 frequencies for working days, which implies a recovery in the number of services that were provided a few months ago. A situation that has also been demanded for many months by users of the Moreno-Mercedes branch, since it only has 13 daily services from Monday to Saturday (9 complete the journey to Mercedes, the other 4 only to Luján) and 12 on Sundays (8 to Mercedes, 4 to Luján). |
