Santa Cruz de Tenerife 8 Apr. (Press Europa) –
The Cabildo de Tenerife, via the Ministry of Mobility and Highways, has implemented the linking module that connects Trinity Avenue with the pedestrian walkway of Father Anchieta.
The installation was executed on Monday night and involved the assembly of the module weighing over 50 tons and measuring 36 metres in length, which forms the northern entry to the walkway.
The road advisor, Dámaso Arteaga, notes in a statement that “the installation process was particularly intricate as it was the component that posed the greatest challenge.”
Arteaga further highlighted that this module will complement the other access points, including those from the East, which will connect directly to the Laguna transport interchange and will feature a ramp, stairs, and a direct link to the walkway.
The construction will necessitate the movement of 200 tons of structure across nine special transport vehicles, along with the southern access, known as the ‘loop’, which will add another 160 tons of structure, requiring eight additional special transports for its movement and installation, thus completing the access network to the ring.
Upon the completion of these access routes, the final works will take place for the implementation of the infrastructure, which includes applying non-slip treatments on the walkway surface, removing the existing pedestrian steps, and integrating the environment around the roundabout.
With the completion of these phases, the sizeable pedestrian ring of Father Anchieta will be fully operational by the start of the 2025-2026 academic year, establishing itself as a benchmark for sustainable mobility and pedestrian safety in Tenerife, as noted by the corporation.
With an investment of 10 million euros, this infrastructure will facilitate the reorganisation of traffic at the roundabout of Father Anchieta, one of the most trafficked junctions on the TF-5.
Daily, over 50,000 vehicles and 20,000 pedestrians pass through this area, most of whom are students from the University of La Laguna, who currently need to cross the road using twelve pedestrian crossings, leading to continuous congestion and road hazards.
Universal Accessibility
The extensive pedestrian ring of Father Anchieta has been designed to meet the highest standards of universal accessibility, ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of their abilities, can navigate comfortably and safely.
In its design, collaboration was undertaken with Sinpromi, a leading entity in accessibility, incorporating solutions that ease movement and enhance pedestrian safety.
Measures adopted to ensure accessibility include the installation of an elevator on Avenida de la Trinidad to complement accessible ramps, the implementation of gradients no steeper than 6% with strategic resting points to aid individuals with reduced mobility, and the addition of double handrails, protective railings, and integrated LED lighting throughout the entire structure, thereby ensuring safety and comfort for all pedestrians.
Furthermore, the project encompasses a comprehensive transformation of the urban environment.
This will involve the redevelopment of the area, including the construction of new pavements, the relocation of the statue of Father Anchieta, and the establishment of a landscaped square adjacent to the Faculty of Biology.
Additionally, the infrastructure will link with the Laguna Transport Exchanger, enhancing connectivity between various modes of transport and creating an accessible and functional space for the community.
An Unprecedented Structural Design
The large pedestrian ring of Father Anchieta marks a breakthrough in engineering and mobility, establishing itself as one of the most sophisticated pedestrian infrastructures in Europe.
The structure, designed by Fhecor Ingenieros Consultores, features a continuous ring-shaped curved beam, supported by specific strategic supports to minimise the impact on existing roads.
The design includes ramps, stairs, and an elevator, ensuring universal accessibility and creating a new urban space that harmoniously integrates functionality and aesthetics within the vicinity of La Laguna.
Elevating up to six metres above the roundabout, the walkway allows for pedestrian flow without hindrance from vehicular traffic, thus improving safety and fluidity at one of the busiest traffic junctions in Tenerife.
This elevation also facilitates its integration with the surrounding road infrastructure, guaranteeing an efficient and accessible connection to the city’s main access points.
The ring’s design has been recognised with the National Innovation and Design Awards 2019, bestowed by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain, acknowledging its contribution to sustainable urban mobility.
Its creator, engineer José Romo, has an international reputation in the development of large-scale infrastructure, including his involvement in the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America.
