Stress testing: Dozens of lorries park on new Alhama de Murcia AVE bridge to test its durability

Lorry load tests on the Murcia-Almería line check the strength of a new viaduct as work continues on the Mediterranean Corridor

Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente shared some striking images of load testing on a high-speed rail viaduct in the Region of Murcia, describing the scene as “spectacular”.

Posting on X, the minister showed a line of heavy lorries positioned across the viaduct as part of structural testing for the new high-speed line. The tests are designed to check the strength of the bridge before it comes into service.

“Have you ever seen anything like this? Surely not. It’s spectacular,” he wrote.

This type of testing using lorries and heavy machinery is common practice in viaduct construction, and in this case ADIF, Spain’s railways infrastructure manager, has used heavy-duty vehicles on several sections of the viaduct.

There was just one problem: the location.

Puente initially said the images were taken in Totana, but social media users were quick to point out that the viaduct is actually in Alhama de Murcia. Even Alhama's mayor, Rosa Sánchez Bishop, joined in, joking that with so many major projects underway in the region, it's easy to mix up the names.

The confusion didn't stop there. Totana Town Hall also shared the images, describing them as local works at Totana’s new viaduct before later admitting in the comments that they likely show the section closer to Alhama de Murcia.

Despite the mix-up, the images definitely show progress on the Murcia-Almería high-speed rail line, part of the Mediterranean Corridor project. This route is expected to improve connections, strengthen the Region’s logistics network and link it to major European transport routes.

The other new bridge in Totana, which is under construction, is 950 metres long and is one of the most distinctive structures along the entire route. The junction with the A-7 motorway features a central span comprising a 125-tonne steel girder and measuring 34 metres in length.

The construction of this bridge over the A-7 motorway has meant that traffic in the area is being diverted until May 20. Redirects for vehicles were put in place on one of the carriageways and alternative routes have been made available, in accordance with the works schedule.

However, completion dates remain uncertain. Originally expected by 2026, the timeline has slipped, with local business groups repeatedly raising concerns about delays.

Still, if nothing else, the test has certainly got people talking, even if no one can quite agree on where the photo was taken!

Images: Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible / ADIF