The port of Cádiz is undergoing key construction projects to facilitate the entry and exit of goods for its new container terminal, scheduled to open at the end of 2027. This new infrastructure will provide more space for cruise ship berthing at the Ciudad quay, freeing up the Reina Sofía quay, currently used for containers.
To optimize the land-based flow of goods, a railway track and a tunnel for trucks have been designed. The railway track, running from Astilleros avenue to the new terminal, is now visible in the area provided by Navantia-Cádiz. Adif will be responsible for its connection to the Cádiz-Sevilla line, while the City Council is working on the reordering of the Carretera Industrial.
The Port Authority of the Bay of Cádiz (APBC) awarded the first phase of the railway access works to Ferrovial Construcción S.A. in February 2025 for over 7.1 million euros. This phase includes a main branch of 1.78 km and a maneuvering branch of 615 meters, partially funded by the Next Generation EU Funds. The infrastructure will allow for trains up to 750 meters long, meeting European railway network standards.
The new terminal, located in the Port of the Bay of Cádiz, is part of the TEN-T Comprehensive Network. Currently, container traffic is managed at the Reina Sofía quay terminal, which has limitations in berthing, draft, and surface area, in addition to lacking rail connectivity.
The construction of the new terminal, to be executed in two phases, will cover a total area of 38 hectares, with a berthing line of 1,099 meters and a draft of 16 meters. The operation of the phases was awarded to Compañía Gaditana de Contenedores, S.L. (Concasa).
This railway project reinstates the passage of freight trains through Astilleros avenue, the historic Carretera Industrial, to connect with the Cádiz-Sevilla line. A gate will be installed to separate the railway land from the public road before accessing the port area. Each train of up to 750 meters will cause temporary traffic closures on the avenue.
This urban intervention, which once again crosses Astilleros avenue, represents a significant novelty in the relationship between the city and its port infrastructure. The port of Cádiz is currently working with a freight station in Jerez and is advancing rail access to Bajo de la Cabezuela, enhancing its commercial offering.
Freight rail transport, which mostly operates at night, will have minimal impact on traffic on Astilleros avenue, with all necessary safety measures being implemented.




