The works for the undergrounding of the A-5 are progressing towards completion, creating a Southwest Green Walk. This project will transform the urban landscape and improve the quality of life in the district.
The undergrounding project of the A-5 is taking shape in Madrid, where machines are working at full speed to transform what were once artificial sand mountains into a new recreational space. With an investment exceeding 400 million euros, the City Council aims not only to improve mobility but also to create a natural environment that benefits the local residents. The removal of 170,000 cubic meters of earth, equivalent to 72 Olympic swimming pools, has begun and this intervention is expected to reduce the current height of the hills, which reach up to 18 meters, to a maximum of six meters.
The delegate for Urbanism, Environment and Mobility, Borja Carabante, recently visited the works and announced that the extracted material will not be discarded. Instead, it will be reused to cover the still exposed underpasses. This initial phase of the project will take place during July and August.
Once this stage is completed, the surplus will be used to landscape the Southwest Green Walk. A layer of soil is planned to be spread over 100,000 square meters, allowing for the planting of hundreds of trees and vegetation over the underground tunnel.
The remodeling aims to mitigate residents' concerns about the creation of visual barriers in the area. The new final height will align with an existing cycle path and serve as a green screen to hide a nearby electrical substation.
In addition to landscaping, three themed hills will be constructed: one to the north with seating for a pump track circuit and skate park; another to the west as a viewpoint towards Casa de Campo and the Madrid skyline; and a third to the south dedicated to biodiversity with areas for picnic spots.
The progress of the undergrounding is significant: the tunnels have already been completely excavated. Work is now underway on the interior architecture of the underground space before integrating essential systems such as security and ventilation. This new section is expected to open to traffic before the end of 2026.
The transformation will not only have a visual impact; it will also significantly improve air quality in Latina. With more than 80,000 daily vehicles being diverted to the new tunnel, it is estimated that surface traffic will decrease by up to 90%, thereby reducing environmental pollution in this densely populated area.
Residents will begin to notice significant changes this winter when the tunnel opening is completed. This ambitious project not only redefines the urban landscape but also promises to socially revitalize the area through recreational spaces accessible to all.
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