Infrastructure

La Horadada Tunnel

The Santander-Mediterranean Sea line, designed to link the ports of Santander and Valencia, was in operation for more than fifty years from Cidad-Dosante in Burgos to Calatayud, where it connected with the Ferrocarril Central de Aragón (Aragon Central Railway).

The project originated at the end of the 19th century, but did not come to fruition until 1920, when the State Government took up a previous study. The line was opened to the public between 1927 and 1930, although the connection with Santander never took place, despite the construction of the La Engaña tunnel that crossed the Cantabrian mountain range. In addition, the line underwent shut downs and abandonment, and finally closed in 1985.

Fifteen tunnels were built along the line, without taking into account the underground section at the entrance to Soria on the Calatayud side. On the section between Trespaderne and Oña there are a total of 6 tunnels. This is the second one that the traveller will need to cross on their way. The infrastructure is located at kilometre point 316.0 and is known as La Horadada tunnel. It is longer than the previous tunnel, reaching a length of 282 m. Although the signs indicate that this tunnel has electric lighting, it is a good idea to bring a torch if planning to go through it.

This construction, like the rest of the crossing works, was prepared for double track with large gauge galleries. In those tunnels with a curved route, it was wider. The vertical gables are covered with stone up to the start of the vault, which is made of concrete.

Otros puntos de interés

• Old Medina de Pomar station
• Valdamí tunnel
• La Blanca Tunnel
• Viaduct over the river Oca
• Los Llanos Tunnel
• Túnel de la Rasa
• Old Oña station
• Viaduct
• Old Moneo Station
• Old Nofuentes station
• Viaduct over the river Nela in Trespaderne
• Old Trespaderne Station
• Trespaderne Tunnel
• Viaduct over the river Ebro in Trespaderne