Spain's Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma) releases information for new tunnel work (translated from Spanish press release):

The interventions will be carried out in the Ortega Prados tunnels (MA-20 highway) and Casabermeja 1, 2, 3 and 4 (A-45 motorway), to adapt their facilities to the regulations.

The project is included in the Recovery Plan, which will allocate up to 357 million euros of European funds to update the tunnels of the State Highway Network and promote the protection of wildlife and vulnerable users.

08-25-2023

The Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (Mitma) has awarded a works contract for 4.5 million euros (VAT included) for the modernization and improvement of five tunnels in the province of Malaga, specifically those of Ortega Prados ( on the MA-20 highway) and Casabermeja 1, 2, 3 and 4 (from the A-45 motorway).

These infrastructures currently have favorable operating conditions, although it is necessary to carry out these improvements to adapt their facilities in line with the provisions of the Royal Decree on minimum safety requirements for tunnels on the trans-European road network.

Ortega Prados Tunnel (MA-20)

The project provides for a series of improvements in facilities and signaling in the Ortega Prado tunnel (MA-20) such as adapting emergency lighting, expanding the ventilation system and replacing the wiring that feeds the safety equipment (ventilation, security lighting, public address system, poles) by fire-resistant wiring. In addition, security will be improved through the installation of evacuation signaling, fire extinguishers, a new radio communication system for emergency services and a new network of hydrants. The implementation of variable message panels, traffic lights and lane closure barriers is also planned.

With respect to civil works, the construction of an element to close the gaps in the existing wall, a median passage and two doors in the median wall is proposed. Milling and replacement of the existing firm will also be carried out, with the consequent repainting of road markings and replacement of reflectors.

Finally, to eliminate leaks, a previous waterproofing of tree wells, manholes and drains will be carried out, followed by a double sealing of the joints of the roof slab.

Casabermeja tunnels (A-45)

The improvements planned in the four Casabermeja tunnels include the implementation of an air quality control system (tunnels 1, 2 and 3), the replacement of the existing wiring that feeds the security equipment (ventilation, security lighting, public address , posts) by fire resistant wiring (1,2,3 and 4) or the installation of a network of emergency posts (SOS posts) equipped with an emergency telephone and two fire extinguishers each (1, 2 and 3) and evacuation signaling (1, 2 and 3).

In addition, the facilities of the four tunnels will be integrated into the Calderón Closed Control Center, to improve efficiency in their management.

New vertical signals will also be installed, including traffic lights at the entrance to tunnels 1, 2 and 3. In Casabermeja 1, the beaconing will be reinforced by placing cylindrical milestones. Likewise, two gauge control systems will be implemented; one for the Casabermeja tunnels 1 and 3, which will be installed in the former, and another for tunnels 2 and 4, which will be installed in the latter.

With regard to civil works, in the Casabermeja tunnels 1, 2 and 4 an adaptation of the sidewalks will be carried out, which will include an improvement of the existing drainage in all of them. Also, in all the Casabermeja tunnels, the pavement will be milled and replaced with the consequent repainting of road markings and replacement of reflectors.

In tunnels 1, 3 and 4 it will be necessary to implement new containment systems as a result of the installation of the new signaling elements. Finally, in Casabermeja 3 monitoring devices will be installed.

The intervention is included in the Recovery Plan, which contemplates investing up to 357 million euros (VAT not included) from European funds to modernize more than 80 tunnels and promote the protection of wildlife and vulnerable users on the State Highway Network through actions distributed throughout the national geography.

https://www.mitma.gob.es/el-ministerio/sala-de-prensa/noticias/vie-25082023-1233