Regional Government of Madrid approves modernisation and accessibility works on Avenida de América underground station

Regional Government of Madrid approves modernisation and accessibility works on Avenida de América underground station
The Regional Government of Madrid has authorised the award of the works for 38 million euros with a contract term of 36 months. Ten new lifts will be installed and actions will be undertaken designed to improve the waterproofing and drainage of the site. Metro de Madrid is one of the most accessible underground networks in the world thanks to the deployment of more than 2,000 escalators and lifts in its network

The Regional Government of Madrid has today authorised the award of the accessibility and modernisation works at Avenida de América underground station for the sum of 38 million euros, with a contract term of 36 months. The scheduled works at this station on the Madrid underground are due to start at the end of 2022.

The reform includes the installation of ten lifts that will enable a new accessible route to connect with the platforms on Lines 4, 6, 7, 9 and the Avenida de América bus interchange, along with the accessways to the street at both ends. The fire escapes for the lifts will also be used to build two emergency exits and ventilation shafts on platform 2 of Line 9.

As regards the modernisation works, actions will be carried out designed to improve waterproofing, drainage and sanitation in the station. Some of the existing materials will also be replaced by other materials that are more resistant to external effects, which will help minimise maintenance work.

In this regard, the change of false ceilings and metal sheeting to be replaced by other materials with greater guarantees to prevent water leaks and improve drainage are also noteworthy. Work will also be done to fit out all the station rooms, with a comprehensive overhaul of the bathrooms and existing changing rooms.

These works at Avenida de América fall under the 1st Accessibility and Inclusion Plan of Metro de Madrid that includes 37 stations. The second plan provides for the conversion of another 27 stations in locations suitable for people with reduced mobility, which will mean that the number of accessible stations in the underground network will rise from 68% to 84%.

The new stations are Núñez de Balboa, Menéndez Pelayo, Duque de Pastrana, Vicente Aleixandre, O'Donnell, Manuel Becerra, Cuzco, Santiago Bernabéu, Concha Espina, Cruz del Rayo, Pío XII, Ventilla, Barrio del Pilar, Herrera Oria, Artilleros, Estrella, García Noblejas, Banco de España, Acacias, Carabanchel, Alto de Extremadura and Ciudad Lineal.

Metro de Madrid is thus one of the most accessible underground networks in the world. With a total of 1,712 escalators and 558 lifts, it is the leading European metro system in terms of the number of lifts and the third ranked in the world.