SYSTRA Ardanuy has strengthened its role in Spain’s growing light rail market after being awarded two major contracts on the future Camp de Tarragona tramway in Catalonia. The appointments will play a central role in delivering and commissioning the first phase of the network, which will be operated by Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya.
The scheme marks a significant step forward in sustainable transport for southern Catalonia, targeting improved connectivity across one of the region’s busiest urban and tourist corridors.
The Camp de Tarragona tramway is designed to transform local mobility by linking key population and economic centres. The first phase of the network will span approximately 14 kilometres, connecting Cambrils Centre to Vila-seca Estació via Salou.
Notably, part of the alignment will reuse the former coastal railway corridor, a move that underlines both cost-efficiency and sustainability while minimising environmental disruption.
SYSTRA Ardanuy’s involvement comes through two complementary assignments delivered in partnership with industry specialists:
1. Construction Management (with TYPSA)
The first contract focuses on construction management, where SYSTRA will be responsible for:
- Supervising works delivery
- Monitoring programme schedules
- Coordinating with ADIF, municipalities and utility providers
- Overseeing civil, railway and tramway systems through testing and final validation
This role will be critical in ensuring that the project is delivered safely, on time and in line with technical specifications.
2. Systems Integration Technical Assistance (with META, part of Quadrante)
The second contract centres on systems integration, ensuring that all operational components function seamlessly ahead of passenger service.
This includes integration of:
- Infrastructure and track systems
- Power supply and electrification
- Signalling and control
- Telecommunications
- Passenger information systems
- Safety and operational interfaces
The objective is to guarantee a fully coordinated and reliable tramway system at launch.
The project presents a number of technical and logistical challenges typical of modern tramway delivery in built-up environments. Works will be undertaken under constrained urban conditions, including:
- Major utility diversions
- Construction beneath the AP-7 motorway
- Interfaces with existing railway infrastructure
- Delivery of a full tramway system including slab track, overhead line equipment (OLE), signalling and communications
These factors underscore the importance of robust coordination and integration expertise across all project phases.
SYSTRA Ardanuy is not new to the Camp de Tarragona scheme. The consultancy previously carried out preliminary studies between 2016 and 2018, when the project was still conceived as a tram-train system before evolving into a full tramway.
This continuity provides valuable institutional knowledge and technical insight, helping to manage risk and maintain design intent through to delivery.
Joan Serrano, Vice-President of SYSTRA Ibérica, said:
“The Camp de Tarragona tramway is a structuring project for mobility in southern Catalonia. Its success will rely on the ability to coordinate complex works, sensitive railway interfaces and the integration of all systems required for operation. These two contracts illustrate SYSTRA’s added value on tramway projects where an end-to-end vision, from works through to commissioning.”
Once operational, the tramway will enhance public transport accessibility across Camp de Tarragona, supporting both daily commuting and tourism while reducing reliance on private vehicles.
For rail and light rail professionals in the UK, the project is another example of how integrated systems delivery and corridor reuse can unlock sustainable transport benefits in densely populated or high-demand regions.
Image credit: iStock
