COMSA is carrying out works to replace a crossing at El Berrón station (Oviedo). El Berrón station is the main junction of the suburban railway system of the Metric Gauge Network (RAM), as the L770 Oviedo – Santander and L752 Gijón – Laviana lines intersect here. This unique crossing, where two double-track lines cross orthogonally, is the only one of its kind in Europe.
The current intersection is made up of four metric gauge Non-Union Crossings (TSU) with a separation of 3.5 metres between them. These are supported on a reinforced concrete slab designed to support the tracks. In addition, the current crossing between the platforms from the passenger building to track 1, the central platform and the platform serving track 6 is not at right angles to the track axis, which shows the technical complexity of the project.
To remove the existing speed restrictions, the straight crossing will be replaced by a new one consisting of a set of 4 TSUs larger than the current one, which will facilitate maintenance operations. In addition, it has been equipped with direct fixing with elastomers, which reduces impacts and attenuates vibrations to nearby buildings.
The project also includes the replacement of the prefabricated transition slabs with ballastless and ballasted track zones, each 12 metres long, to improve the current transition between the ballastless and ballasted track zone. The renovation of the turnouts is also included in the same action.
Thus, the rearrangement of the crossing between platforms will allow it to be perpendicular to the tracks it crosses, improving accessibility for people with reduced mobility. In addition, the surface will be replaced with anti-slip rubber panels, providing a more uniform and safer a more uniform and safer floor for pedestrians.
The project will increase the safety and speed of trains and will improve service efficiency and accessibility.