Press release - Modernisation of Cascais line

The Cascais Line Track and Catenary Modernisation Plan preparatory work has almost been completed. On 2 May, work will begin on Phase 1 between Cais do Sodré and Algés over the next 18 weeks.

The first works to be carried out are related to the overhead cables. They will begin at kilometre 2.850 towards Cascais, and the following activities will start:

• Prospection of cables in the area of the opening of catenary massifs (BILCS);
• Balancing of cables;
• Ballast activation;
• Removal and replacement of fences;
• Excavation of catenary masses;
• Concreting of catenary blocks;
• Preparation of track works.

To carry out the above works, given their characteristics and to ensure the safety of workers on site, it is essential to implement a traffic ban during some hours of the night and early morning on the Cais do Sodré-Algés section:

• Mon. to Fri.: 23:00 to 5:00;
• Sat/Sun: from 19:50 to 9:50;
• Sun/Sun: from 19:50 to 4:50.

The infrastructure manager has been working in close collaboration with CP, the local authorities involved, namely Lisbon, Oeiras and Cascais and various local entities.

To minimise the negative impacts resulting from this constraint, and during the periods of rail service interruption, a replacement bus service will be provided to CP customers, ensuring transport for the population.

Modernisation of the Cascais Line's Track and Catenary

The contract works to Modernise the Track, and Catenary of the Cascais Line began on 6 December 2022 with an investment of €31.6 million and includes the change over of the current electrification system from 1.5 kV DC to 25 kV AC, with the complete replacement of the existing catenary between Cais do Sodré and Cascais Stations.

This investment is developed under the Cascais Line Modernisation project and is co-financed by POSEUR under Portugal 2020. Its main objectives are to promote more efficient and environmentally sustainable transport services:

Catenary and Track - Work in progress;
Track configuration at Algés, Oeiras, Carcavelos, São Pedro and Cascais Stations, installation of the new eastbound connection to the Carcavelos Rolling Stock Park, and installation of new bypasses on existing tracks (Santos, Belém and Santo Amaro) - Work in progress;
Construction of an Electrical Traction Substation (SST) in Sete Rios to feed the Cascais Line - Work in progress;
Electronic Signalling - Installation of a new signalling system and a Level 2 European Train Control System (ETCS) speed control system - Work in progress;
Implementation of Video Surveillance and Public Information Systems - Tenders in preparation;
Upgrading of Stations and Level Crossings, work on Level Crossings and level crossings at Stations and Level Crossings - Tenders being prepared;
Installation of a feeder cable between the SST in Sete Rios and the Cascais Line - Calls for tender are being prepared.
The complete modernisation of the Cascais Line is of great importance and, together with the acquisition of new trains for suburban services that CP is organising, will substantially reinforce and improve the quality of the public rail transport offer, boosting the growth in demand by the population of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area served by the Cascais Line.