Title: Analysis of trans-Pyrenean railway bottlenecks

Authors: Susana Val, Natalia Blazquez

Addresses: Zaragoza Logistics Center, Avda. Gomez Laguna, 25, 1ª Planta, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain. ' Fundacion Transpirenaica, Plaza Aragon 10, Planta 11, 50004 Zaragoza, Spain

Abstract: This paper provides a full analysis of the bottlenecks in Irun and Portbou (located on the Spanish and French sides, bordering on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast, respectively) to show the importance of the construction of a new trans-Pyrenean corridor to avoid congestion. The current freight traffic conditions in the Iberian Peninsula are analysed, focusing on incoming cargo flows and its subsequent transport to European destinations. One of the most favourable solutions is the construction of a new high-capacity railway link across Central Pyrenees. This corridor, together with more efficient short sea shipping transport, should complement the existing supply, thus allowing optimum development in south-west Europe. There are some environmental questions to study concerning the optimum location of the new corridor, as well as the political and institutional limitations.

Keywords: railway bottlenecks; railways; railroads; intermodality; trans-Pyrenean corridor; freight traffic; trans-Pyrenean railway; Iberian Peninsula.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2009.026070

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2009 Vol.2 No.4, pp.388 - 402

Published online: 26 May 2009 *

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