New tram bridge revealed
New bridge will be constructed next to the Quisi bridge in Benissa
TECHNICIANS from Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) met with Benissa council this week to explain the characteristics and technical details of the new bridge that will be constructed next to the existing Pont del Quisi near Calpe to cope with the new heavier trams.
The meeting was attended by various technicians from FGV and representatives of all the political parties of Benissa, who were shown virtual images of the viaduct, which had been chosen from six designs.
The technicians explained that after analysing a study of alternatives for the Pont del Quisi, that they have chosen to construct the new viaduct downstream and adjacent to the existing one. This option lessens the visual impact of two bridges due to the number of trees surrounding the area. One abandoned house will have to be demolished to make way for the new construction, and it is hoped the Pont del Quisi will become a pedestrian bridge across the ravine.
The new bridge will not run parallel to the existing one, but at a slight angle, with one end being 10 metres from the existing one, reaching 30 metres at the other side. The new bridge, with an estimated budget of €9.7 million, will be 280 metres long. The construction period, from the approval of the basic plans, “is around 11 months”, said the technicians.
“This alternative is the definitive one, and there is no room for the investment, layout, technical conditions, environmental impact and the enhancement of the existing bridge” they continued.
FGV has already carried out load tests for the current diesel trains to ensure their safe passage on the existing viaduct, and is completing a fatigue study of the structure. The results with the load tests have been returned as conclusive, although FGV is waiting for the fatigue study to be validated (carried out by the universitys of Valencia and Alicante), which they consider as an essential condition for restoring rail traffic.
During the meeting, the technicians of FGV also stated that roads damaged by heavy goods vehicles will shortly be re-laid.
“This action is included in the modernisation works carried out by the Valencia regional government on Line 9 and the investment exceeds €130 million” stated FGV.
According to sources, the Calpe to Teulada stretch will be completed and opened first, followed by the Denia line.