Modernization of the stretch on the Northern line between Ovar and Espinho includes the following work:

• Complete replacement of the track superstructure;

• Conservation/renovation of the track substructure at certain points;

• Stabilization/conservation of slopes;

• Changes to water crossings and metal bridges;

• Alteration of layout at the Ovar and Esmoriz stations;

• Installation of two new opposite track diagonals north of Ovar;

• Construction of new passenger quays at stations and secondary stops;

• Installation of 2 passing lines of 750 m in useful length to allow freight trains to pass, north of Ovar station;

• Complete replacement of the overhead contact line system between Km 305,000 and Km 307,000 (area of the passing lines to the north of Ovar);

• Adaptation of the overhead contact line at the Ovar and Esmoriz stations due to work/changes to the level of the track, more specifically insertion/replacement of AMV and possible skinning of track;

• Overhead contact line along remaining stretch of track;

• Complete renovation of catenary posts;

• Implementation of the Traction Current Return, Soil Protection system (RCT+TP);

• Construction of split-level road and pedestrian crossings, including improvement of access points so as to remove level crossings (LC):

  • Two underground road crossings (Ovar - Pk 301,141 and Silvalde - Pk 314,943);

  • One elevated road crossing in Paramos (Pk 313,266);

  • Six elevated pedestrian walkways at the Válega secondary stop (Pk 296,973), Carvalheira- Maceda secondary stop (Pk 307,544), Cortegaça secondary stop (Pk 309,376), Esmoriz Station (Pk 311,892) and Ovar Station (to the north at Pk 300,732 and south at Pk 300,581).

• Installation of connection paths to remove pedestrian level crossings;

• Fencing of rail channel;

Further work under this investment includes the implementation of an electronic signaling system and its integration into the Porto Operational Command Centre (OCC), an automatic speed control system and telecommunications systems.