The tunnel is inspected by council officials
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Marbella.
Marbella has finally reopened the Puerto Banús tunnel to traffic following the completion of improvement works aimed at preventing flooding.
The project began over the long weekend of December and will be completed in the next few days. It spans 212 metres and covers 2,345 square meters.
Costing a total of €350,000, and plenty of confusion and inconvenience for anyone visiting the area, the plan was greenlit last August after securing approval from the Ministry of Transport and Mobility, as the tunnel is part of the A7 underpass, where the council previously lacked jurisdiction.
Upgrades include a new drainage network with eight wells and noise-reducing sewages. Two absorbent manholes are also included to help manage rainwater better and solve recurring issues during heavy downpours.
The road level at the tunnel’s lowest point was raised above the Benabolá stream’s runoff point, which previously lacked sufficient capacity. The pedestrian walkway inside the tunnel has been widened by 1.5 metres with railings for safety. The adjustment reduced the road width to 5.5 metres and restricted heavy vehicles to one way traffic. For better visibility, new LED lighting has also been installed.