Madrid, January 16 – A crucial step in the A-5 tunneling project was achieved this Friday with the successful connection of two independently excavated tunnel sections. This technical operation, known as a ‘cale,’ allows for the continuity of the underground route, linking 700 linear meters of the tunnel.
Significant Progress in the A-5 Tunneling Project
This connection is a key development in the ambitious project to bury the A-5 highway, which will transform the Paseo de Extremadura into the Southwest Green Corridor. To date, 1.9 kilometers of the planned 5.1 kilometers have been excavated in both directions, and 81.7% of the slab has been laid. This slab will form the surface of the new green corridor, which will conceal 80,000 vehicles that previously traveled daily on the highway.
The project’s smooth progress, involving over 600 workers and more than 400 machines simultaneously, is expected to allow the underground passage to open by the end of the year.
Traffic Rerouting and Surface Connections
Starting next Wednesday, the bypass at the Parque de Atracciones interchange will be eliminated, thanks to the completion of the tunnel’s covering slabs for both directions. As of yesterday, Thursday, traffic heading to or from the M-30 tunnel on Avenida de Portugal no longer uses the bypass. Instead, it returns to the straight alignment along 500 meters of the highway, from kilometer point (PK) 3+250 to PK 3+750, easing traffic flow.
The Madrid City Council, through the Department of Urban Planning, Environment, and Mobility, led by Borja Carabante, is also constructing a 60-meter surface connection branch between Avenida de Portugal and the A-5. This aims to prevent traffic from diverting through Calle de Dante and is intended for vehicles on the surface of Avenida de Portugal wishing to join the A-5 towards Alcorcón. The City Council advises caution and advance planning for journeys, especially during peak hours.
Transforming the City: The Southwest Green Corridor
The Paseo de Extremadura is set to be transformed into the Southwest Green Corridor, a major pedestrian axis that will connect the neighborhoods of Latina, Lucero, Aluche, and Las Águilas with Campamento and Casa de Campo (the latter belonging to Moncloa-Aravaca). These areas have been separated since 1968 by the asphalt that 80,000 vehicles traversed daily.
The covering of the A-5 will extend the pedestrian boulevard of Avenida de Portugal, which connects to Madrid Río, all the way to Avenida del Padre Piquer. Surface vehicle traffic is expected to decrease by 90%, significantly reducing polluting emissions. Beyond reclaiming asphalt space for residents, the project will enhance pedestrian mobility, public transport, and road safety. It will also resolve congestion issues at problematic junctions such as Paseo de Extremadura, Batán, and Boadilla del Monte.
Sustainable Mobility and Urban Connectivity
Soft mobility will be promoted through the construction of a 3.5-kilometer bidirectional, signalized bike lane, starting at Calle de Illescas and connecting with the existing one on Avenida de Portugal, thus linking to Madrid Río. This will encourage the use of bicycles to access the city center. On the surface, wider sidewalks and 33 new pedestrian connections (compared to the current 16) will facilitate walking.
