SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 7 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Minister of Public Works, Housing and Mobility for the Government of the Canary Islands, Pablo Rodríguez, along with the general director of Road Infrastructure, Rosana Melián, oversaw on Thursday the conclusion of the excavation of the Erjos Tunnel, which connects the towns of El Tanque and Santiago del Teide, forming a part of the completion of Tenerife’s island ring.
The minister asserted that this is “a significant project that will enhance communication between the northern and southern regions of the island, alleviating some traffic congestion and notably reducing bottlenecks in the Santa Cruz-La Laguna metropolitan area, particularly on the TF-5”.
During their visit, they were joined by the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila; the mayor of Los Silos, Carmen Luz Baso; the first deputy mayor and councillor for Works and Services, Funeral Services and Housing in the El Tanque Council, Jennifer Rosales; and the councillor for Citizen Security, Police, Mobility and Accessibility, Traffic and Coordination of the Santiago del Teide council’s departments, Ibrahim Forte.
Pablo Rodríguez emphasised the importance of this project “which has faced unforeseen challenges due to decisions made by the previous administration, but which has ultimately been resolved.”
The judicial agreement compensating the first joint venture awarded for the project with €12.5 million ensures the continuation of the works “with a priority on completion as swiftly as possible, while upholding the public interest.”
Furthermore, the minister expressed they are “proud” to announce the successful completion of the excavation for the two tubes of the Erjos tunnel, a crucial piece of infrastructure that will usher in a new era in the mobility of Tenerife.
This 11.3-kilometre route encompasses the 5.1-kilometre double Erjos tunnel, the longest in the Canary Islands, and the first twin-tube interurban tunnel in Spain.
This project is among the largest currently undertaken by the administration, representing the highway agreement with the highest budget, exceeding €260 million, which will preserve the Teno massif and significantly enhance connectivity between the north and south of the island.
Work is advancing according to schedule with an anticipated completion date set for the first quarter of 2027.
“The Government of the Canary Islands is dedicated to ensuring that this project is undertaken with minimal impact, aiming to meet deadlines and adhere to the set budget. This achievement exemplifies our commitment to enhancing infrastructure and the quality of life for all residents of Tenerife,” stated Rodríguez.
On her part, Rosa Dávila highlighted that “the progress made on this project is a vital leap forward for connectivity and sustainable mobility in Tenerife, reducing travel times by 50 percent, which will revolutionise how we navigate the island.”
She believes “this will provide residents of the lower island the chance to work in the south while continuing to live in the northern region, marking a significant shift in mobility, economy, and quality of life for the people of Tenerife.”
PROJECT DETAILS
The current investment totals €263 million, including an initial budget of €241,470,628 and €22,242,877 in price adjustments paid in 2023.
In this context, the successful joint venture comprising FCC Construction, Syocsa-Inarsa, and El Silbo has completed 62% of the budgeted work.
The Erjos tunnel is composed of two parallel tubes measuring 5,095 metres each, with 4,855 metres designated as a mined tunnel, 140 metres as a false tunnel at the southern entrance, and 100 metres as a false tunnel at the northern entrance.
The drilling was conducted primarily through blasting, simultaneously in the four entrances of the two tubes that constitute the tunnel.
35 DIRECT JOBS
Additionally, this project currently generates 35 direct employment opportunities and 80 indirect positions across three shifts each day, seven days a week.
“The completion of the Erjos tunnel excavation marks a significant achievement in public works within the archipelago. The Government of the Canary Islands is committed to progressing with this undertaking, maintaining the necessary pace and quality to deliver an infrastructure that meets the needs of our citizens,” Rodríguez remarked.
During the execution of this work, environmental measures worth €18 million have been adopted to ensure sustainability and respect for the ecosystem.
In line with this, efforts have been made to restore the abandoned quarries of La Grama and Bilma mountain near Santiago del Teide, alongside the production of concrete and asphalt using leftover materials from tunnel drilling.
Another planned initiative involves the creation of an edge park to buffer the centre of Santiago del Teide from the impacts of the new road, as well as restoring habitats of community interest in the vicinity, and implementing structural changes to conserve a significant habitat area at Barranco Hondo.
In this light, the Erjos tunnel itself can be viewed as a major environmental initiative aimed at protecting the Teno massif without causing damage.
