Infrastructure

Vielha tunnel. South portal

The southern portal of the Vielha Tunnel marks one of the main access points to one of the most important transport links between the Val d’Aran and the rest of the southern slopes of the Pyrenees. Located in the Alta Ribagorza region, near the N-230 road, this pass stands at an altitude of around 1,590 metres, in a high-mountain landscape characterised by steep slopes, forests and the distinctive terrain of the central Pyrenees. From this point, the underground route begins, crossing the Pyrenean range towards the Aran Valley.

For centuries, the Val d’Aran remained virtually cut off during the winter, when heavy snowfall blocked the mountain passes and hampered communication with the rest of the peninsula. To solve this problem, work began in the early 20th century on the construction of a large tunnel beneath the mountain. After numerous delays and technical difficulties, the Viella-Alfonso XIII Tunnel was finally opened in 1948. Measuring 5,260 metres in length, it was at the time one of the greatest engineering feats ever undertaken in the Pyrenees and ensured that the route remained open all year round.

Decades later, rising traffic volumes and the need to improve safety standards made it necessary to build new infrastructure. And so the Vielha-Juan Carlos I Tunnel was opened in 2007. This new tunnel, approximately 5,230 metres long, runs parallel to the old one and is equipped with modern ventilation, lighting and traffic control systems, as well as emergency exits, ensuring much safer travel.

Both galleries are connected by cross-passages that allow for evacuation in case of emergency. Whilst the modern tunnel handles the bulk of road traffic, the old tunnel is used as a service and emergency route, as well as allowing certain types of special transport to pass through.

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• Vielha tunnel. North portal