Progress on Parque Ventas in Madrid
The construction of Parque Ventas in Madrid is achieving its milestones, having successfully placed the 96 beams that support the structural platform of this innovative park over the M-30 highway. This project aims to connect the Salamanca and Ciudad Lineal districts, which have been divided by the busy highway for decades.
Meeting Construction Deadlines
Ten months into the construction, the supporting structure is now complete. Paloma García Romero, the delegate of the Works and Equipment Area of the Madrid City Council, has confirmed that the last beam has been placed and that roofing work is already in progress. Additionally, the first of the eight walkways providing access to the park has been connected. The project timeline remains on track for a spring 2027 opening.
Key Statistics
Parque Ventas features a platform measuring 197 meters long and encompassing 16,370 m². This new green space will soar above the 16 lanes of the M-30, the most heavily trafficked section of highway in Spain, accommodating about 150,000 vehicles daily in each direction.
Construction Techniques
The structure is anchored on piles that extend between 16 and 17 meters deep. The 96 prefabricated prestressed reinforced concrete beams are arranged in 32 transverse frames, supported by platform edges and median piles separating the main and auxiliary lanes. A 30-centimeter thick concrete slab is being laid on top of these beams, while the total deck reaches a depth of 2.7 meters, with a soil layer of 1.5 meters to facilitate landscaping.
Logistical Challenges
The assembly of these beams requires meticulous planning and execution. Javier Nájera, head of the City Council’s structures service, mentioned that daytime construction could cause delays of up to 14 hours. As a result, key operations have been focused during the summer evenings when traffic decreases by 40%. Heavy cranes weighing over 500 tons were utilized, with all equipment needing to be cleared by 6 a.m. each day.
The beams, some weighing up to 200 tons and measuring 40 meters in length, were transported from Rivas Vaciamadrid and Seville, as manufacturing all within Madrid was not feasible for the necessary pace.
Future Features of the Park
Upon completion, Parque Ventas will offer a vibrant green space with pedestrian areas, gardens featuring 591 trees and over 48,800 bushes, along with children’s playgrounds, calisthenics equipment, a small grandstand for performances, kiosks, and fountains. The eight walkways will establish a green corridor between Quinta de la Fuente del Berro park and the green spaces of Ciudad Lineal.
Community Concerns
While the project is advancing, it has not been without complaints. The AfectadosM30 community group has expressed concerns about the impact of nighttime construction on over 50,000 residents in the area. They have also raised issues regarding underground water discoveries during excavation and questioned the project’s overall cost.
The City Council estimates the total investment at 80 million euros, but the community group claims that adjustments made post-initial awarding raise it to 94.9 million euros.
Next Steps
With the structural phase completed, the focus is now on laying the concrete slab, developing the roof, and implementing waterproofing and drainage systems. Following these tasks, landscaping will commence to bring the park to life.