Rail bridge in Algar gets a new look

THE Line 9 single-gauge line known locally as the ‘trenet’ is being brought into the 21st century. Regional rail operator Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) is spending millions on modernising the Benidorm-Denia line. 

Tracks are being replaced and all bridges and viaducts along the line renovated and, where necessary, repaired. This includes the bridge over the River Algar just outside Altea, half of which was dismantled in October for repainting in the adjoining open-air market site. 

Work did not go as smoothly as planned because nearby schools, residents and the weekly stallholders all complained about the noise and dust as sections of the 100-year-old bridge were sandblasted prior to repainting.

The company contracted to carry out the work was finally obliged to move the sections to a more isolated location, where work on the first half of the bridge has now been completed.

They were recently put in place and the remaining sections removed for the same treatment.  

This first phase of renovations between Altea and Calpe should be finished by next June, after which work will continue to the end of the line in Denia.