Bilbao is set to gain a vast area of opportunity at the current Abando station over the next decade. Institutions presented the new plan for the arrival of high-speed rail to the central station of the Biscayan capital, which includes a significant change: trains will arrive directly at Abando from the outset, bypassing a provisional station in Basauri.
The new project initially foresees a temporary station located near the current workshops, close to Bailén street. In the future, the definitive station will be built underground. This process, which will span several years, will facilitate two crucial milestones: the arrival of the High-Speed Train and the creation of a new 130,000 square meter open space in the city center to foster growth and revolutionize the Ensanche district.
The undergrounding of the station and the arrival of high-speed trains will be a milestone in itself, but from an urban perspective, the most significant aspect is the generation of an immense available space that will be at Bilbao's disposal. Ten strategic projects have already been outlined for this new urban corridor, including housing, parks, the recovery of degraded areas, and a complete revitalization of the zone.
“"We do not want to generate more frustration among citizens after more than a dozen inauguration dates have been missed."
The timeline remains complex, as administrations have agreed not to discuss it publicly due to past delays. However, the Secretary of State for Transport, José Antonio Santano, stated that the inauguration of the high-speed rail service to Bilbao could be discussed once the Arkaute junction in the Vitoria area is completed. The High-Speed Train is not expected to be operational before the next decade, with no service anticipated before 2033.
