Transport Department approves the tendering of the project to build the Bilbao tramway extension to Zorrotzaurre

The Basque Government's Transport Department has approved the tendering of the project to construct the Bilbao tramway extension to Zorrotzaurre. The Euskal Trenbide Sarea contracting authority has given the go-ahead for the work that will begin after the summer, and which has a budget of €950,000 and an 18-month implementation period. 
 
The extension consists of a dual-track connection to the current line near to the Euskalduna roundabout; it will then continue to the Zorrotzaurre Island, as per the urban development and regeneration plans for this area.  The new 2.4-km section, mainly on rail track, will have five stops, with one in Olabeaga; the Bilbao tram network will then be 10.5 km long. 
 
The study will also include transferring the Sabino Arana stop to the Sagrado Corazón roundabout, for operational reasons of the service, along with analysing and defining the construction of the bridge between Olabeaga and Zorrotzaurre.  The new crossing structure will include pedestrian and cycle lanes on either side of the tramway track. 
 
Accordingly, the project envisages a detailed analysis of the location of the Olabeaga stop and of its urban surroundings, taking into account solutions to improve accessibility to the new stop from the current street beside the river. 
 
The project will take into account the relocation of the urban elements affected, the analysis of pedestrian routes and itineraries, deviations and adjustments of the road traffic in the different implementation phases, and the traffic study around the connection of the tramway branch with the Euskalduna roundabout, among other aspects.  
 
The corrective measures to minimise the impact on the environment are part of the scope of the work. They include a hydraulic study regarding the possibility of the flooding conditions, a study on the noise and vibration in the operating phase, along with a noise study for the works phase. 
 
Given the extension of the branch in question and the uneven progress of the urban development work and projects on the Zorrotzaurre Island, the extension will be divided into two phases as follows: 
 
- Phase 1: From the connection with the Euskalduna roundabout, including, at least, the first stop on the Zorrotzaurre Island, located at the southern point. 
 
- Phase 2: The scope of the second project will start at the above end point, and will include the last tram stop located at the northern point of the Zorrotzaurre Island.