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Start of the Rekalde Bypass project in Bilbao, Spain

11/03/2024
Start of the Rekalde Bypass project in Bilbao, Spain

The Department of Infrastructures and Territorial Development has awarded to the joint venture comprising Typsa, Fulcrum and Tekia the EUR 5,805,580.06 (VAT included) the contract for the design of the Rekalde Bypass (BI-10) in Bilbao. The initial drafting period is 33 months from March 2024. The construction of this infrastructure is managed by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. 

The project aims to eliminate the urban barrier currently represented by the 1.8km section of the BI-10 motorway, previously known as A-8, in Rekalde between exit 115-116 (Zabalburu, Miribilla, Juan de Garay) and San Mamés exit 118. The viaduct over Rekalde Park, at a height of approximately 20-22 m, dates back to 1975. It carries a high level of traffic: an average number of 87,212 vehicles, of which 2,529 are heavy vehicles (2.9%).

The planned 2,230 m bypass consists of two separate carriageways, with three lanes in each direction, mostly through tunnels, under Mount Pagasarri.

The new infrastructure is located entirely within the municipality of Bilbao and is located geographically on the southern side of the A-8 motorway (BI-10), north of the Metropolitan South Bypass. The area is already partially developed, with a particularly irregular terrain, where the implementation of this infrastructure layout must be compatible with the geometry of the land, with the least possible effects to the existing residential buildings, facilities and services. Similarly, implementation phases must also be aligned with the continued functioning of the current infrastructure. 

The elimination of this viaduct over Rekalde and the construction of the new bypass in its place will free up the space currently occupied by the A-8 motorway and will reduce impact and noise, and providing new recreational areas and open spaces. 

The project will include an analysis of technical and economic feasibility, the design and calculation of structures and tunnel, a risk analysis and possible mitigation measures, and the definition of the construction method, always maintaining existing traffic. The technical, environmental, and urban feasibility of the intervention will also be analysed, and issues related to maintenance and conservation during the infrastructure´s lifespan will be considered in its design. New working techniques with BIM technology will also be incorporated.

Slightly different variations to the initial layout will be designed in order to find a better adaptation to the terrain, aiming for the tunnel to be mostly excavated in solid rock. The geotechnical survey conducted, construction method studies to define an accurate economic assessment, and issues regarding construction, traffic, as well as environmental, safety and tunnel MEP systems, will be considered, to allow construction while minimising risks associated with the execution of complex infrastructures optimising deviations in time, price, and quality. For further information click es/167 for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.typsa.com and https://tekia.es/.  10/24.

 




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