Catarroja: Over €1.5M for Reconstruction of Port Tunnel under V-31

The project, funded by the central government, will enhance safety and functionality against heavy rainfall.

Generic image of a damaged underpass tunnel undergoing reconstruction.
IA

Generic image of a damaged underpass tunnel undergoing reconstruction.

The Catarroja City Council has approved the estimated cost for the adaptation works of the underpass beneath the V-31 on the Camino del Puerto, a strategic action to recover one of the municipality's most important road connections after the severe damage caused by Dana on October 29, 2024.

The project, funded by the Spanish Government within the post-storm reconstruction lines, includes a maximum subsidizable investment of €1,573,042.38. The action aims not only to repair the existing infrastructure but also to comprehensively improve its functionality, safety, and adaptation for future intense rainfall events.
The works, with an estimated execution period of five months, will include actions such as increasing the clearance height to 3.5 meters, waterproofing the tunnel base using jet grouting techniques, constructing a new drainage and water evacuation system, and completely renovating the road surface and accesses.
Furthermore, the project incorporates significant improvements in sustainable mobility and road safety. A segregated cycle-pedestrian walkway will be created, new signage and traffic light systems for alternative traffic will be installed, and automatic barriers will be put in place to prevent vehicle passage during floods.

"This action is fundamental to recover infrastructure severely affected by Dana, but also to adapt it to new climate challenges and make it much safer and more resilient."

Martí Raga · Urban Planning Councilor
The Urban Planning Councilor, Martí Raga, highlighted the importance of the action, explaining that "the project is not limited to repairing the damage, but proposes a comprehensive transformation of the tunnel to improve safety, accessibility, and coexistence between vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians". He also emphasized that "we are talking about a strategic connection for Catarroja and for access to the Port, which is why it was essential to act with a long-term technical solution prepared for extreme weather events".
The council emphasizes that the proposal maintains the existing underpass's layout and general geometry but incorporates technical solutions that reinforce its durability and will considerably reduce future maintenance costs. This initiative is part of the projects promoted by the Catarroja City Council to recover and modernize infrastructure affected by Dana, aiming to build a more resilient, accessible, and climate-challenge-ready municipality.