The Ministry of Development, Territorial Articulation, and Housing will reopen the road between Ronda and San Pedro Alcántara (A-397) to traffic on July 14th. The pace of the work, with operations from Monday to Sunday and even at night, has allowed the deadlines to be advanced by a few weeks and to be able to open one lane of traffic to offer alternative traffic next Monday, as announced this morning by the President of the Andalusian Government, Juanma Moreno, during the events for the 140th anniversary of the birth of Blas Infante that took place in Casares.
The reopening date comes after progress was made last week in the reconstruction tasks of the road damaged by the serious landslides suffered due to the torrential rains of the DANA in mid-March. Last week, the concreting of the deck was completed, and previously, the beams of the four spans of the structure had been installed, the deck had been fully assembled, and the precast slabs had been placed. In the coming days, the final tasks will be carried out to enable this lane for traffic, such as the lateral defense barrier, the pavement, drainage, and the corresponding signage.
The Minister of Development, Rocío Díaz, has indicated that the Andalusian Government «had committed to shortening the deadlines and so it has been, putting all means at our disposal to restore traffic on a strategic route for the economic and social activity of the Serranía de Ronda.» «No efforts have been spared, with work from Monday to Sunday and even at night,» emphasized the minister, who thanked the residents for their patience during the road closure.
Likewise, she emphasized the complexity of the works, which have involved an investment of 4.5 million euros and have had leading companies in geotechnics and vertical works. She also indicated that the work will continue with one of the lanes already open.
To rebuild the road, it was necessary to first implement measures to ensure the stability of the slope, removing all unstable rocks with heavy machinery, manual means with specialists in vertical works, and, finally, controlled micro blasting. Likewise, containment membranes have been installed in the head and intermediate zones of the landslide and a dynamic screen.
Once partially reopened to traffic, the Ministry of Development will continue with the work with the road in service. In this phase, additional measures will be taken to support the slope and reinforce the existing concrete wall.