The project to reopen the Somport railway tunnel, closed since 1970, has entered a new phase with an investment of 93 million euros. This emblematic work aims to re-establish the railway connection between Spain and France through the Pyrenees, linking Zaragoza with Pau and promoting international passenger and freight transport. Thanks to European funding through the Connecting Europe Facility ( European Grant Agreement CEF 2019, 16 January 2020) and other funds, the corridor is intended to be operational by 2030, improving connections to both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Construction of the Somport rail tunnel began in 1908 and was completed in 1912. After numerous studies and negotiations between the two countries due to the difference between track gauges, it was finally decided to opt for the 1,668 mm gauge in Spain and the 1,435 mm gauge in France, whose tracks intermingled at the Canfranc International Station.
The 7.8-kilometre-long tunnel is a strategic element not only because of its historical value, but also because of its role in the economic revitalisation of the Aragon and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions. Throughout the project, major infrastructure improvements are planned, such as the enlargement of the tunnel and the implementation of advanced safety systems without affecting the Canfranc Underground Laboratory where research on dark matter is being carried out. These improvements will allow efficient interoperability with the nearby road tunnel, currently closed due to damage to the RN 134 on the French side . In addition, the Somport road tunnel, a joint project between Spain and France, was built between 1994 and 2002 and opened in 2003. Seventeen of the nineteen emergency galleries of the road tunnel are connected to the rail tunnel, making it an additional evacuation route. This factor is essential when assessing the options for reopening the rail tunnel, as its function as an emergency gallery must be maintained to ensure the safety of the road tunnel.
The reopening of the tunnel will not only benefit freight transport, but will also have a positive impact on the surrounding regions on both sides of the Pyrenees. Canfranc station, a historic building recently renovated as a luxury hotel, is an example of how tourism can revive the local economy.
The Canfranc international railway station, known as the “Titanic of the Pyrenees” for its monumental structure, has been transformed in 2023 into a luxury five-star Gran Lujo hotel (Hotel Canfranc Estación, A Royal Hideaway Hotel of the Barceló group), transforming the historic building – located at an altitude of 1,200 metres – into a colossal hotel offering 104 luxury rooms. This emblematic building, which dates back to 1928, was one of the largest railway complexes in Europe and has been renovated with a significant investment to restore it to its original splendour.
The modernisation of the railway line will be key to boost tourism and skiing in the Aragon Valley (Spain) and the Aspe Valley (France).
In addition to facilitating the transport of goods and promoting rail tourism between the two countries, the reopening of the tunnel will be crucial for the ski resorts of Astún and Candanchú (both will be connected by a gondola lift from autumn 2026) in Spain. This cable car system will allow a 3.6-kilometre journey in approximately 12 minutes, connecting both ski resorts, with an altitude difference of 1,565 to 2,022 metres and offering skiers more than 100km of slopes. This connection will not only improve the experience for skiers, but could also boost the competitiveness and sustainability of both resorts, attracting visitors from both countries.
On the other hand, from France, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region has also shown great interest in speeding up the works, especially in the section between Bedous and the Somport tunnel. The reopening of the Pau-Zaragoza railway line through the Somport tunnel would especially benefit ski resorts such as Gourette and La Pierre Saint-Martin, both located in the Atlantic Pyrenees. These resorts will benefit from a greater influx of skiers from Spain, improving their accessibility and attracting tourists looking for options close to the border. The new connection will facilitate cross-border tourism, boosting the economic and tourism development of these regions. The involvement of both national governments is key to moving the project forward without further delays, while the European Union has ratified its financial support for this essential infrastructure.
This project to reopen the Somport tunnel is considered fantastic news for the regions bordering the frontier given that rail traffic has been interrupted since 1970, when the Estanguet bridge on the French side of the railway line collapsed. The reopening of the railway tunnel not only connects territories, but symbolises a unique opportunity for sustainable development and territorial cohesion in the Pyrenees, better integrating tourism, transport and the regional economy.
