Approval of Modifications for the Tenerife Insular Ring Project
The Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Mobility of the Canary Islands Government has technically approved Modification 2 of the project for the closure of the Tenerife Insular Ring in the section between El Tanque and Santiago del Teide, with a budget of €21,488,958.93, which represents an 8.9% increase over the current budget.
This new modification primarily aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and update safety facilities within the tunnel, as detailed by the Canary Islands government in a statement.
Photovoltaic Plant and Environmental Improvements
The second modification includes the construction of a photovoltaic plant with a nominal power of 500 kW, situated above the south tunnel’s mouth, which will meet the energy needs of the infrastructure under normal operating conditions during the day.
Additionally, it includes the replacement of the formwork lining with sprayed lining in the tunnel, enhancing adaptation to drilling irregularities and reducing concrete consumption. This measure is expected to prevent the emission of approximately 32,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, the tunnel’s facilities have been updated to enhance safety, incorporating the latest technological advances in ventilation, lighting, communication, and control, according to the Canary Islands government in the statement.
Self-Consumption Photovoltaic Plant
Alongside this, the second modification also includes the construction of a self-consumption photovoltaic plant on the fill platform above the south tunnel entrance at Erjos, in Santiago del Teide. This installation is expected to cover around 16% of the tunnel’s total energy demand.
Budget and Execution
The project also involves updating measurements in accordance with contracting legislation, resulting in an increase in the awarded budget with VAT included to €21,488,958.93, reflecting an 8.9% rise over the current budget. The works are being undertaken by a consortium formed by the companies FCC, El Silbo, and Syocsa-Inarsa.
Details of the El Tanque-Santiago del Teide Section
The El Tanque-Santiago del Teide section is part of the so-called Western Closure, connecting the north and south corridors of the island.
This route will link the TF-1 and TF-5 motorways from the west, providing continuity to the completed works between Adeje and Santiago del Teide in the south, as well as between Icod de Los Vinos and El Tanque in the east.
The proposed road is of a conventional type, with one lane in each direction and a design speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Its total length is 11.3 kilometres, half of which runs through tunnels or artificial tunnels, doubling the roadway in those sections.
The most notable feature is the Erjos tunnel, which is 5.1 kilometres long and will navigate around the Teno Rural Park and the population of Erjos without affecting them, ensuring the preservation of a high-value environmental area.
The tunnel’s exit is located in the Santiago del Teide Valley, where the road circumvents the urban centre to connect with the Adeje-Santiago del Teide section.
