The Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Mobility of the Canary Islands Government has technically approved modification number 2 of the project for the Insular Ring of Tenerife in the section between El Tanque and Santiago del Teide at a cost of €21,488,958.93, which represents 8.9% of the current budget.
This new modification has key objectives including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, and the upgrading of safety installations in the tunnel, the Canary Islands Government detailed in a statement.
Solar Energy and Emission Reduction
The second modification includes the construction of a 500 kW photovoltaic plant, which will be situated above the false tunnel at the southern portal and will help meet the energy needs of the infrastructure during the day under normal operating conditions.
It also involves replacing the shuttered lining with sprayed lining in the tunnel, which improves adaptation to the irregularities of drilling and reduces concrete consumption. This measure is expected to prevent the emission of approximately 32,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Additionally, the tunnel facilities have been updated to enhance safety, incorporating the latest technological advances in ventilation, lighting, communication, and control, as outlined by the Canary Islands Government in their statement. Furthermore, this second modification includes the construction of a self-consumption photovoltaic plant on the fill platform located above the southern portal of the Erjos tunnel in Santiago del Teide. This installation is expected to cover around 16% of the total energy demand of the tunnel.
Budget Increase
The project also includes the update of measurements in accordance with procurement legislation, resulting in an increased allocation budget of €21,488,958.93, representing an 8.9% increase on the current budget. The works are being carried out by a consortium formed by the companies FCC, El Silbo, and Syocsa-Inarsa.
The El Tanque-Santiago del Teide section is part of the so-called Western Closure, linking the Northern and Southern corridors of the island. This route will connect the TF-1 and TF-5 motorways in the west, providing continuity to the completed works between Adeje and Santiago del Teide in the south and between Icod de Los Vinos and El Tanque in the east.
One Lane in Each Direction
The proposed road is of a conventional type, featuring one lane in each direction and a design speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Its total length will be 11.3 kilometres, with half of this developed in tunnels or artificial tunnels, effectively doubling the roadway in those sections.
The most notable feature is the Erjos tunnel, which is 5.1 kilometres long and will allow passage beneath the Teno Rural Park and the Erjos population without impact, thereby preserving a region of high environmental value. The tunnel outlet is situated in the Valley of Santiago del Teide, from where the road circumvents the urban centre to connect with the Adeje-Santiago del Teide section.
