Land, Rail, and Maritime Transport Networks in Spain
Land Transport Networks: Impact on Space
Transport networks are major factors in shaping both urban and rural landscapes. A railroad, road, or highway can divide or isolate a city. In rural areas, several problems arise. Modern roadways require underpasses to facilitate the movement of animals. Construction often involves the destruction of natural vegetation and creates obstacles to natural water flow.
Relationship with Space
Three elements determine the relationship between road networks and space: the physical environment, human factors, and history.
- Physical Environment: The physical environment dictates network layout. Mountainous regions, gentle slopes, and ecologically valuable sites are typically avoided. The first two are expensive to build on, while environmental concerns can lead to social rejection. The EU mandates that technical projects include ecological impact assessments to minimize environmental damage.
- Human Factors: Roads serve two primary purposes: facilitating the transport of people and goods. Networks connect densely populated and highly productive areas.
- History: In older countries, modern communication routes often follow the paths of ancient roads, frequently running parallel to them. The Spanish network connects the most populated areas and cities with the greatest historical significance.
The Spanish road network is radial, with communications converging in the center. Density, connectivity, accessibility, and technical features are also important considerations. Madrid and Barcelona have the highest network density.
Road Transport
Rail: The Industrial Revolution significantly impacted rail transport. Competition from road and air travel has diminished its role, leading to the closure of many lines due to losses. Only commuter lines, high-speed rail, and similar services remain profitable. The Spanish railway network initially could not connect directly with Europe due to differences in track gauge. The networks are denser in the center, the Ebro Valley, and Catalonia, transporting both goods and passengers. The trans-European high-speed train (TGV) is transforming the Spanish rail landscape and providing a direct connection to Europe.
Road Transport: Structure of the Road Network
The national road network is radial, originating in Madrid and extending:
- To France via Burgos and the Basque Country.
- To France via Zaragoza and Catalonia.
- To Valencia and Cadiz.
- To Portugal via Badajoz.
- To A Coruña.
The national road network carries the majority of traffic, both in terms of vehicles and tonnage. Regional density is highest in Valencia, Catalonia, Galicia, and Navarra, and lowest in Extremadura.
Technical Specifications
The most important technical specifications are width and pavement type. All national roads have a platform of at least 9 meters and two lanes. The road surface is higher than 14cm, and most of the underground network is covered with concrete. Within the state network, managed by the Autonomous Communities, a large percentage of roads have a width of less than 7 meters, and other types of pavement are used.
Maritime Transport
Maritime transport depends on port conditions, which include technical, political-administrative, geographical, and economic factors. Good technical conditions are essential for establishing major ports required by modern commerce. Over 85% of imported goods pass through state ports. The State Ports Network comprises 44 sites, managed by 27 authorities.