On October 22, the Spanish Council of Ministers, following a proposal from the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, approved a Royal Decree authorizing a direct grant of EUR 40 million to the Autonomous Community of Navarre. This funding, allocated over 2024, 2025, and 2026, will support the expansion and modernization of the Belate (2,968 m) and Almandoz (1,220 m) tunnels on the N-121-A.
The grant, disbursed in three instalments upon issuance of the granting resolution, will finance the following works, with completion scheduled by June 30, 2028:
- Expansion of the Belate Tunnel: Construction of a new tube approximately 2.9 km in length, including five bypasses connecting to the existing tunnel.
- Expansion of the Almandoz Tunnel: Construction of a new tube approximately 1.4 km in length, with two bypasses linking to the current tunnel.
- Modernization of Both Existing Tunnels: Upgrades to signalling, safety, and ventilation systems to enhance overall tunnel functionality and safety.
This funding enables the Government of Navarre to undertake necessary works to ensure both tunnels, which it owns and which form part of the trans-European network, comply with Directive 2004/54/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, issued on April 29, 2004.
The grant complements the EUR 55 million previously allocated by the Spanish Government between 2018 and 2023 for other improvements on the N-121-A, which facilitates connections to France through its conversion into a 2+1 road.
For further information, please click it/190 for tunnelbuilder archive and visit https://www.transportes.gob.es/. 43/24.
