After two years of works for the extension of metro line 3, water leaks have delayed the inauguration of the route that will connect El Casar station (Getafe) with Villaverde Alto. The new route of the yellow line will be completed in 2025, several months later than planned.
According to sources consulted by the newspaper 20 Minutos, the Consejería de Viviendas, Transportes e Infraestructuras claims that the leaks have been located in Villaverde, specifically at a bifurcation of depots: a point in the railway network where the tracks branch off into the spaces where trains are to be parked. This could damage the stability of the railway facilities along the route, so it is necessary to stop the leaks before the works are completed.
The regional ministry has explained that in order to solve this problem, drying mortar piles will be placed in the affected areas. These piles adapt to different types of terrain, preventing both water seepage and possible flooding in the event of a storm. The incorporation of the retaining wall will mean that part of the remodeling project will be modified.
The extension of the yellow line provides a new alternative entrance to the metropolitan area of the capital. The inhabitants of Getafe, Alcorcón, Leganés, Móstoles and Fuenlabrada will benefit from this renovation: the south of Madrid will be more connected than ever with the center, since El Casar station will link line 3 with MetroSur (L12), Renfe’s C-3 and intercity buses 447, 448 and 488.