The Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, has canceled his trip to Valencia this afternoon in order to personally supervise the progress in the reconstruction of critical infrastructure devastated by the flood on October 29th. Due to the meteorological conditions, Puente decided to postpone his trip as a precaution. There are concerns from the ministry that the heavy rains expected in Valencia could lead to the suspension of work or damage to some of the repairs being carried out. One of the most exposed areas is the bypass on the A-7 in Quart de Poblet, built in the last week to replace the collapsed viaduct. The new passage is scheduled to open to traffic between tonight and tomorrow morning, but everything depends on the new storm.
Measures have been taken by the Ministry of Transport to prevent potential issues in areas like Catalonia and Andalusia. In Málaga, the Media Distancia Málaga-Antequera-Seville railway service has been suspended and the Cercanías de Málaga service is under observation. In Catalonia, at the request of the Mossos, access to the A-27 towards Tarragona has been cut off between kilometers 13 and 23 (El Rourell Valls Nord section). Traffic is also being avoided in the N-240 tunnel towards Tarragona at kilometer 29.300, and at the Coll de Lilla access towards Tarragona. These roads are only open to vehicles providing essential services. Yesterday, it was decided to close the Rodalíes R15 railway line between Reus-Mora, Caspe, and Zaragoza; the shuttle service between Tarragona and Saloú-Port Aventura (R17) was suspended, and speed restrictions were put in place in the Torotosa-L’Aldea section of the R16.
The situation is being closely monitored as the potential for heavy rain continues to pose a threat to the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Valencia. The bypass on the A-7 in Quart de Poblet, a critical area for repairs, may be particularly vulnerable to damage. The opening of the new passage is crucial for traffic flow in the region, and delays due to weather conditions could impact commuters. The Ministry of Transport is working to ensure that necessary precautions are taken in Catalonia and Andalusia to prevent further disruptions to transportation services. By closing off certain access points and limiting traffic in specific areas, authorities are aiming to prioritize essential services and minimize potential risks.
The impact of the recent flood on critical infrastructure in Valencia has prompted the Ministry of Transport to take proactive measures to address the challenges posed by inclement weather. While Puente has had to cancel his trip to supervise the reconstruction efforts firsthand, the decision was made in the interest of safety and prudence. The potential for heavy rains in the region remains a cause for concern, with the risk of further damage to repairs and delays in the opening of key transport routes. By responding to alerts and implementing safety measures, authorities are working to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions on transportation services in the affected areas.
