Chapter 3 - Adif

3.8.6. Facilities for Track Gauge Changes
On Adif Managed Network there are currently two track
gauges interoperable with each other: UIC Gauge (1,435
mm) and Iberian gauge (1,668 mm). In order to facilitate
internal connections between both gauges, as well as to
other European networks, automatic systems have been
developed called Track Gauge Changers. In other traditional
facilities, a physical change of gauge is possible by changing
axles or bogies, or by physical transhipment of the freight.
There are also facilities for transhipment of containers and
freight at border points of Irun and Portbou. Their location is
listed in Map 14, Annex H.
3.8.6.1. Track Gauge Changers
These are facilities where track gauge automatically changes
upon passenger trains passing with reduced speeds. There
are two systems:
♦♦
♦♦
With TALGO technology
With CAF technology
Furthermore, some of these facilities enable changing track
gauges with both technologies. Gauge changing technology
for trains with variable gauge enable rail traffic to pass to
different networks, in a short time and without discomfort
for passengers, key for a progressive extension of highspeed
benefits.
For additional information consult:
Department Office of High Speed
Maintenance and Operation
Calle Titán 4-6, 4ª Planta. 28045 Madrid
Map 14 in Annex H shows track gauge change facilities,
along with information on the type of track gauge for each
line.
3.8.6.2. Bogie and Axle Changers
These are wagon axle or bogie change facilities (currently,
for freight traffic only) with a system of lifting the wagon
and replacing the rolling by another with the corresponding
gauge. Currently, the management at borders of axle change
facilities is located in Hendaye and Cerberus (France) located
facilities, and is performed by the company TRANSFESA.
3.8.7. Other Rail Infrastructures connected to RFIG
managed by Adif
3.8.7.1. Ports of General Interest
with Connection Agreements to Adif
Managed RFIG
Railway infrastructures which at every moment exist in
the field of General Interest Ports and are connected with
the General Interest Railway Network owned by Adif and
Adif Alta Velocidad, will be part of RFIG upon Order for these
purposes established by the Ministry of Public Works.
Connection of afore rail infrastructure to the General Interest
Railway Network shall be governed by an agreement laying
down the rights and obligations of each party, by virtue of
the following principles:
a. Adif shall establish under guidelines established by the
Ministry of Public Works, the standards for a physical
connection of railway infrastructures managed by the
former to that managed by relevant Ports Authority, as
well as for management purposes of traffic operations
on these.
b. Port Authorities concerned shall set up - prior favorable
report of the State Ports regarding the General Interest
Ports- standards on design and operation of the existing
network in each port, so as to not disrupt the proper
functioning General Interest Rail Network managed by
Adif.
The agreement referred to in this section, affecting Ports
of the General Interest, shall be concluded jointly by the
relevant Port Authority and Adif, prior authorization of the
Minister of Public Works. Said agreement shall include any
network operation and the standards to be respected by
Adif for capacity allocation of the existing rail infrastructure
in the area of the Ports of General Interest.
Currently, have been signed 17 connection agreements with
the Network of State Ports, as set out in Map 5 of Annex H.
3.8.7.2. Private-owned Rail
Infrastructures (Sidings)
Siding is defined as a rail infrastructure private or stateowned
with tracks for loading, unloading and stabling
of wagons with a link to a line by one or more open line
switches, used to complement RFIG owned by Adif and
Adif- Alta Velocidad, including therein units used for
construction, repair or maintenance of rail stock, such as
carriages, wagons, locomotives or track equipment privateowned.
For the establishment or operation of private-owned rail
infrastructure, the applicant must submit a project to
establish or exploit the line that will include, at least, a
report explaining the purpose of establishing or operating
the infrastructure, with general and partial plans, as well
as respective quotations, activities to be provided thereon,
description of the works and technical circumstances for
performance which must conform to the rules in safety and
interoperability, established by regulation of the Ministry of
Public Works.
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Network Statement Update 2014 V.0