Transport Ministry Tenders Modernisation of El Mascarat Tunnel on AP-7

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has tendered the modernisation works for the Xeresa and El Mascarat tunnels, located on the AP-7 motorway in the provinces of Valencia and Alicante, respectively, for 11.4 million euros. The objective is to "reinforce and update" the safety, lighting, and communication systems of these infrastructures, among others.

Among the actions to be carried out at these sites are the improvement of the pavement characteristics, the construction of a connecting gallery between tubes in the Xeresa tunnel, and an emergency exit in both tubes of the Mascarat tunnel. Additionally, fire detection cables will be laid, and a network of hydrants, including pipes, pressure groups, and tanks, will be installed.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, it is also planned to implement mechanical ventilation systems with the capacity to extract smoke from fires, normal, safety, and emergency lighting, and the installation of a radiocommunication system inside the tunnel capable of broadcasting emergency messages to its users.

The purpose of these works is to "adapt" both tunnels to the current safety standards required for this type of infrastructure under the existing regulations. Both the Xeresa and El Mascarat tunnels consist of two tubes (one for each direction of traffic), with two traffic lanes in each.