Alex Trelinski
ESTIMATES for a tunnel in Malaga to slash traffic along the Paseo de los Curas and Muelle Heredia have been calculated at €324 million.
A preliminary project study ordered in 2022 from consulting firm Esyeco has a construction figure for nearly €283 million-with two separate tunnels serving traffic in each direction.
Surface work costing €41 million would create pedestrian space of around 100,000 m2 allowing a link between the city centre and port.
READ MORE:
- Costa del Sol train latest: Andalucia President says project is essential for Malaga’s economy as he blasts Madrid for ‘laughing and looking the other way’
- Toll road may soon be discounted for certain drivers in bid to reduce traffic chaos on Spain’s Costa del Sol
Designers have produced a route following the Paseo Pablo Ruiz Picasso to the Guadalmenia river with two one-way tunnels- running up to three lanes in each direction at some points.
There will be direct access and exit from the La Marina interchange, linking with buses using the new station.
The left-lane of both carriageways will be for buses and other high-occupancy vehicles.
A unique aspect of the tunnels is that geothermal probes will be laid down to provide geothermal energy to provide power for buildings next to the route, as well as the tunnels themselves.
It’s been claimed that buildings could get up to a 90% cut in their electricity usage.
Three options have been put forward by Esyeco to offer a visual design that ‘constitutes a multidisciplinary challenge where technical and aesthetic aspects converge’.
The suggestions aim to enhance the area’s aesthetic value, turning the tunnel into an element that they claim ‘enhances’ Malaga’s cultural and architectural identity.
You’ve got to give it to the Spanish civil engineering business. They are innovative, brilliant and efficient. Best in Europe by a country mile – even the world?