Costa Blanca
Thieves close Alicante Train Station
By h.b.
Jan 29, 2012 - 1:59 PM

Alicante train station was a scene of chaos on Sunday as a problem with the overhead lines stopped both the arrival and departure of trains. Over 500 passengers have been affected by the breakdown which reports indicate has been caused by the theft of a piece of the overhead line structure at San Vicente. One report says the counterweights which keep the overhead cables at the correct tension have been taken.

RENFE Spanish railways have been using coaches to move the stranded passengers.

Railway infrastructure company, ADIF, managed to restore the service restored at 8pm, after a twelve hour break.

Meanwhile staying at Alicante station, the City Hall and ADIF have agreed to save one of the two old railway sheds which under the threat of demolition to make way for the arrival of the AVE high speed train. The building closest to the station is considered to have the highest architectural value and will be saved, thanks to space from the demolition of the Aurgi workshops instead.

There was more travel chaos on the railways on Sunday afternoon when a cloudburst over the province of Toledo has halted all AVE high speed trains between Madrid and Sevilla and Málaga, as parts of the line were surrounded by standing water at Yeles, Toledo. Part of the ballast which holds the tracks in place has shifted with the water.

More than 6,000 travellers have been affected.