Tecnovia restores sections of the West Line damaged by storms

Following the severe storms that hit Portugal in January 2026, Tecnovia is involved in the restoration of several sections of the West Line, between Meleças and Torres Vedras. Commissioned by Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), the project represents an investment of approximately €11.5 million and includes slope stabilisation and the repair of damaged railway infrastructure, with the aim of restoring safe operating conditions and implementing long-lasting solutions for a vital transport link in the region.

Responding to the impact of the storms

The heavy rainfall recorded in January triggered landslides and slope instability at several locations along the West Line, compromising the integrity of the railway infrastructure and leading to the suspension of rail services in the affected areas.

One of the most critical incidents occurred at km 57+400, where a slope failure extended as far as the River Sizandro, causing the collapse of the railway formation.

At km 63+800, ground instability caused the subsidence of Rua Dr. Gomes Leal, with displaced material encroaching onto the railway line near Torres Vedras station. Further landslides were identified at kilometres 62 and 63, resulting in the accumulation of soil and debris alongside the track.

These incidents highlighted the need for specialist intervention capable of addressing the geological characteristics of the terrain and reinforcing the stability of the affected areas.

Engineering solutions to restore and protect the railway

With a contract value of €11,489,800, the project is being delivered under a design-and-build contract, covering five intervention sites located at kilometres 57+400, 62+500, 63+050, 63+450 and 63+800.

The planned works include the removal of unstable ground, clearance of the affected areas and slope reprofiling, incorporating drainage and retaining solutions designed to reduce the risk of further landslides.

One of the most technically demanding interventions is located at km 57+400, where the supporting structure of the railway formation will be reconstructed using a reinforced concrete structure founded on micropiles.

At this location, the proximity of the River Sizandro also requires specific erosion protection measures, including Reno mattresses and drainage systems that contribute to ground stability.

The project also includes retaining structures, such as railway protection walls and Berlin-type retaining walls, tailored to the specific conditions of each site.

Throughout the works, an instrumentation and monitoring plan will be implemented to assess the behaviour of the ground and structures, ensuring that stability and safety conditions remain under control.

Experience and technical expertise supporting railway restoration

The nature of this project calls for a highly specialised technical response, particularly given the unstable ground conditions, the geotechnical challenges and the proximity of the working areas to the railway infrastructure.

With extensive experience in civil engineering and ground stabilisation works, Tecnovia has the specialist technical teams, its own equipment and the industrial capacity required to meet the demands of the project.

The works are being carried out using an approach that prioritises safety, technical precision and the adaptation of engineering solutions to actual site conditions, while also taking environmental protection into account.

Restoring connections, strengthening safety

This project aims to restore stability and safety at critical points along the West Line, contributing to the recovery of infrastructure that is essential to rail transport and regional mobility.

For Tecnovia, participating in this project represents another opportunity to put its engineering expertise and capabilities at the service of restoring essential infrastructure, responding to challenges that demand technical knowledge, effective delivery and solutions tailored to the specific conditions of each location.

Because building the future also means restoring what has been damaged, strengthening safety and ensuring that connections continue to bring people and communities closer together.

Crescemos a Fazer.

02.11.2026