| Work Detail |
Adif Alta Velocidad has launched the tender for the construction of the Loja–Valle del Genil section of the Antequera–Granada High-Speed Line (LAV), marking a key milestone in the delivery of the 19 km Loja Bypass. The contract, valued at EUR 341.1 million, covers a 7.9 km stretch, over a third of which will run through tunnels and viaducts. With this tender, all sections of the Loja Bypass are now either completed, under construction, or in the contracting phase. Reducing travel times to Granada The new standard-gauge double-track layout is designed to meet high-speed rail specifications and will improve travel times between Granada and the rest of the network. The alignment avoids the town of Loja, replacing the current slower route with a modern bypass that also incorporates extensive environmental protections. Most complex section of the bypass The Loja–Valle del Genil section is the longest and most technically complex portion of the Bypass. It crosses the municipalities of Loja, Salar, and Huétor-Tájar, and includes several major structures: Cerro de los Limones tunnel: the longest on the bypass at 1,295 metres Genil Viaduct: 794 metres long, spanning the Genil River, its floodplain, and the A-92 motorway Salar Viaduct: 693 metres, crossing the Salar stream valley, local buildings, and the A-4155 highway The works will also include four overpasses and two underpasses to maintain local road and path connections. In cooperation with the Andalusian Regional Government’s Department of Culture, the project has been carefully designed to protect the Roman Villa of Salar, a designated Site of Cultural Interest. Specific archaeological protection measures will be enforced, along with a comprehensive environmental management plan. Environmental challenges The Loja region presents significant environmental and geological challenges, particularly due to the presence of an aquifer. To address this, the bypass route incorporates extensive tunnelling and viaducts—up to 50% of the route in some segments—to reduce surface disruption. The bypass follows the southern slope of the Loja mountain range, parallel to the A-92 motorway, minimising its footprint while preserving speed and safety standards. Loja Bypass phased delivery The Loja Bypass comprises four distinct segments: Loja–Valle del Genil (now out to tender) Loja–Riofrío (under construction since 2024) Loja–A92 (recently started) Bobadilla–Granada viaduct (already completed) Once completed, the Loja Bypass will significantly enhance the Antequera–Granada corridor, contributing to Spain’s commitment to high-speed rail as a sustainable and efficient transport mode. This project may receive co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), supporting EU goals on sustainable infrastructure, environmental protection, and regional economic development. It also contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 8 and 9, focusing on clean energy, economic growth, and resilient infrastructure. |
