Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGV)'s investment in Alicante's tram network has attracted the interest of nine companies specializing in public works. The project focuses on the renovation of the halt located at Plaza de la Puerta del Mar, in front of El Postiguet promenade, an essential upgrade to allow the circulation of the new TRAMLINK series 4.500 trams, acquired to improve the Alicante Tram service.
The tender for this project has a bidding budget exceeding 3.5 million euros (3,505,699.68 euros, including taxes). The submitted bids range from Vialobra's 2,551,048.38 euros (excluding taxes), the most economical offer, to Coalvi's 2,894,375.19 euros, the highest. FGV's contracting board will now analyze the nine proposals after evaluating subjective aspects. Currently, CHM Obras e Infraestructuras and Comsa lead the scoring with 38.10 points each, followed by Vialobra with 36.30.
The intervention is not limited to a simple platform extension. The project includes a complete reconfiguration of the halt, which serves as the southern terminal stop for line L-5. A new central platform measuring 75 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width will be constructed, doubling the size of the current one. Additionally, the track layout will be modified to accommodate the new 45-meter tram units, nearly ten meters longer than the current 4200 series trains.
The works also involve the replacement of the track superstructure and other affected facilities, such as the catenary and railway signaling. Furthermore, the signalized road crossing regulating vehicle exit from the open-air parking lot near El Postiguet promenade will be modified.
The project will be coordinated with the Alicante City Council for the redevelopment of the platform's surroundings. The objective is to improve pedestrian accessibility and the urban scene in this strategic point of the maritime facade. The potential elimination of parking spaces is being considered to gain promenade space and enhance urban integration.
The execution of the works is scheduled for next autumn, with a maximum timeframe of eight months. This means the works could be completed between next spring and summer. During this period, the Plaza de la Puerta del Mar stop may be temporarily closed, and line L-5 will not be able to incorporate the new, larger trams until the halt's conditioning is finished.
FGV has already received the first unit of the 4.500 series, which offers increased capacity. The remaining five units will arrive from September onwards to begin their testing period. With these new trams, the service is expected to improve, increasing passenger capacity and reducing operational times thanks to their larger doors.
