A Milestone in the Construction of the A-5
The A-5 project is making significant strides towards its completion. This Monday, an important advancement was celebrated with the joining of two underground galleries that are part of the new tunnel. The technique used, known as cale, has allowed for the connection of 1.3 kilometres of tunnel, which was met with applause from engineers and authorities present at the site. This event marks a crucial milestone in the development of the project, which aims to improve mobility on one of Madrid's most important arteries.
As of today, 2.1 kilometres have already been excavated out of the planned total of 3.8 kilometres. The next objective is to connect these sections to create a continuous tunnel. This phase is expected to be completed by April, at which point the necessary installations such as ventilation systems and emergency exits will begin. Once these underground works are finished, traffic is expected to flow underneath starting in November.
On the surface, the work continues with a very different image: fences and machinery surround the area as cars navigate the construction zones. However, this temporary chaos will give way to a new green space known as Paseo Verde del Suroeste. As announced by Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida during his visit to the works, the development of the park will begin in February and is expected to be inaugurated by spring 2027.
As the underground works progress, Almeida highlighted that new detours will not be necessary until the entire process is completed. This means less inconvenience for residents and a gradual improvement in vehicle circulation. Some existing detours will be progressively removed; for example, one near the Amusement Park has already been eliminated, and others will continue through the summer.
Despite adverse weather conditions—with heavy rains since early January—the established timelines have not been affected thanks to the joint effort of approximately 600 workers and 400 machines. Most of the current work is being carried out underground, which has allowed for the planned pace to be maintained despite the bad weather. The City Council has highlighted this achievement as a testament to the commitment and dedication of the team involved.
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