Madrid’s Ambitious Underground Project for A-5
Madrid is on the verge of completing one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects — the undergrounding of the A-5 highway. This initiative promises to not only improve traffic flow but also reclaim valuable surface space for green areas, benefiting both drivers and local residents. As of now, a major milestone has been reached: two sections of the tunnel have been connected. Drivers will soon have the opportunity to utilize this tunnel, with full operations expected to commence before the end of 2026.
Current Progress
Just this week, an excavator successfully broke through the earth wall separating two underground galleries under Villamanín Street, creating a continuous 1.3-kilometer tunnel. This is part of the ongoing effort to complete the 3.8 kilometers of the planned underground highway. To date, 2.1 kilometers of excavation have been confirmed by the City Council.
Timelines and Deadlines
Madrid’s Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida has reiterated that the new tunnel will be operational by year-end, in spite of weather-related challenges. This January saw unusually high rainfall, complicating some phases of construction. However, with a workforce of 600 and 400 machines on site daily, the project remains on schedule, thanks to primarily underground work which has shielded it from the weather.
Transforming the Surface
As exciting as the underground work is, the surface transformation is equally noteworthy. This February, the City Council plans to tender a contract for the development of the Paseo Verde del Suroeste, with a projected budget of 75 million euros. Expected to begin in November, once the tunnel traffic starts, this initiative aims to establish approximately 80,000 square meters of green areas. The goal? To create public gardens that residents can enjoy by Spring 2027.
Enhancing Community Connectivity
One of the primary goals of this project is to eliminate the physical barrier the A-5 has historically posed, which has fragmented neighborhoods like Lucero, Campamento, Batán, and Aluche. With vehicles moving underground, residents will find it easier to traverse their communities without the need for underpasses. The city considers this endeavor to be the most significant since the burial of the M-30.
Next Steps in the Project
The immediate focus is on completing the excavation of the tunnels by April, followed by the installation of ventilation systems, emergency exits, cameras, and extractors. The city has assured that no further detours will be necessary, with some current detours, like the curved detour of the Amusement Park, already eliminating on January 14.
Innovative Construction Techniques
The project employs a ‘cut and cover’ technique, which allows for simultaneous work both underground and on the surface. The initial construction involved building retaining walls with piles, followed by the installation of slabs to cover the tunnel. Currently, excavation is ongoing beneath those slabs, while surface urbanization is also moving forward.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the City Council is drafting plans for a second phase of the project, which could involve burying an additional 700 meters to extend the tunnel towards Cuatro Vientos. This expansion is still in its preliminary planning stage and aims to complement the ongoing operations.
In summary, the undergrounding of the A-5 represents a transformative step for Madrid, geared not only towards improving transportation but also to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.