The comprehensive upgrade of six tunnels along the Cantabrian Motorway (A-8) has reached a major milestone with the construction of new evacuation galleries—most notably, a pedestrian cross-passage in the Tezangos tunnel and a combined vehicular and pedestrian gallery in El Fabar. These new safety infrastructures are designed to enable fast and secure evacuation in emergencies and are part of an ambitious road safety and technological modernization project led by SICE (as part of a joint venture).
The project covers the El Carmen, Llovio, Tezangos, El Fabar, Arenal de Morís, and Duesos tunnels, and complies with Royal Decree 635/2006, which sets minimum safety requirements for road tunnels. Key upgrades include pavement renewal, improvements to electrical and communication systems, installation of CCTV, signage, lighting, environmental monitoring, fire hydrant networks, and traffic management systems such as traffic lights and variable message signs.
One of the most significant advancements is the construction of pedestrian cross-passages, such as the one in Tezangos, strategically located approximately 225 meters from the western portal and 290 meters from the eastern portal. This gallery will ensure safe evacuation during emergencies and is equipped with automatic pressurization systems that activate in the event of fire or when evacuation doors are opened. These systems include fans, fire dampers, and control mechanisms to prevent smoke ingress, ensuring safe escape routes with illuminated emergency signage.
In El Fabar, the new gallery will also accommodate emergency vehicles, significantly enhancing incident response capabilities. Both galleries represent a major leap forward in user safety and operational efficiency across the road network.
SICE’s technical solution is based on an integrated approach: IP CCTV, automatic incident detection (AID), public address systems, environmental monitoring, and automated pressurization systems. This technology enables efficient management, particularly in critical situations.
Environmental protection has also been a priority, given the proximity to the Natura 2000 network. The project incorporates low-impact solutions such as fire-resistant bituminous pavements instead of concrete and hazardous liquid drainage systems.
This initiative is part of a phased strategy to modernize the A-8, a key corridor for northern Spain’s traffic, and builds on previous upgrades to the national road network—ensuring a modern, safe, and future-ready infrastructure.
