The Cabildo de Tenerife commenced the opening of the departure lane of the Martiánez tunnel yesterday, which had been closed since September of the previous year due to ongoing works on the TF-31, one of the primary access routes to the municipality. The works are expected to be fully completed by the end of this month.
This development, eagerly awaited by both residents and visitors, will enhance the flow of traffic leaving the city while easing daily commutes until the construction is finalised and both directions can be opened.
According to the Cabildo, the improvements will address the issue of runoff that has plagued this road, which was often closed to traffic during periods of heavy rainfall due to water cascades from the shepherds’ ravine and the resulting landslides.
Going forward, this issue has been resolved through the installation of a reinforced concrete frame that permits water to flow above the road and the pedestrian walkway adjacent to it. This infrastructure ensures that the roadway remains unaffected, addressing long-standing mobility and traffic concerns for the 20,000 to 25,000 vehicles and pedestrians that utilise it.
However, the structure has not been welcomed by a portion of the local population, who have expressed concerns regarding the impact it has on one of the main entries to the tourist city due to its size.
Due to its intricate nature, this action necessitates the closure of part of the access road from Martiánez to ensure the safety of vehicles and pedestrians until the works are concluded.
The project commenced with the installation of 24 micropiles, each reaching depths of approximately 30 metres, followed by the construction of the frame itself, crafted entirely from reinforced concrete. It consists of a foundation slab measuring one metre across the entire surface and two supporting walls.
The interior wall (mountain side) stands at a height of 8.5 metres with a width of 80 centimetres, while the outer wall (sea side) reaches a height of 6.5 metres with a width of 60 centimetres. Both walls are embedded one metre below the current surface level.
