Piqueras tunnel finally opens to trafficAfter three years of delays due to unforeseen circumstances related to poor ground conditions, and the redesign of the route for environmental reasons, complicated by extra electrical installations, and the appearance in 2006 of an EU law requiring that all tunnels being planned or under construction should incorporate an emergency evacuation gallery for pedestrians, the 2.4 km-long Piqueras tunnel connecting the Spanish autonomous region of La Rioja with Soria across the N-111, has entered into service. The late addition 21 sq m pedestrian tunnel is parallel to the main tunnel, and is connected by passageways every 200 m. The new tunnel avoids the notorious gradients of the Piqueras Pass. For more click es/91. 45/08.