The Government delegate in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, visited today the works that the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is executing in the Hermida Gorge, accompanied by the mayors of the Region of Liébana. During the visit, Gómez de Diego noted that the work is progressing according to the established planning and pointed out that before the end of the summer, almost 50% of the work will be carried out.
In this regard, the delegate has indicated that in July new sections and another one will be opened between the end of August and the beginning of September. In this way, in a short period of time it will be able to put into service about 9.5 kilometers of the 20 that the Gorge consists of, "practically half".
Thus, Gómez de Diego has pointed out that the conditioning of the sections has already been carried out, including protection measures consisting of dynamic screens that protect the workers themselves and the rest of the road users from the falls of stones of the slope. Currently, it is acting in five sections located in Urdón, in La Hermida, in the Lles Bridge and in Estragüeña.
The delegate acknowledged the difficulty and technical complexity of developing the works in such a special environment due to its orography, but assured that “the improvement of the road will make the Region of Liébana even more attractive, a region of which all Cantabrians are especially proud.”
He has also explained that a special working device has been set up to try to cause as few possible conditions to the traffic while the works continue to be executed. For example, the tasks of loading and unloading and pouring concrete, which oblige to make small road cuts, will not be carried out during the day, when there is more circulation, but at night. In addition, in the courts, traffic lights have been replaced by operators to regulate traffic and ensure the greatest possible fluidity, also during the weekend.
During the visit, in which the head of the Road Demarcation also participated, several mayors of the area expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the works. "It is a very complicated work and in everyday life there are damages, but the improvement of this road is a milestone in the Region and is fundamental," they agreed. They have also appreciated the “agile and fluid” communication with the Government Delegation and the Road Demarcation to meet their demands and resolve any possible incidents.
During the visit, in addition to the delegate, there were the mayors of Potes, Francisco Javier Gómez; of Peñarrubia, Seconino Caso; Vega de Liébana, Gregroio Alonso and Tresviso, Alan Ruiz;
The investment of more than 73 million euros that is being executed by the Ministry of Transport will not only improve the road infrastructure, but is also helping to boost the local economy.
Improved road safety
Gómez de Diego has been sensitive to the inconveniences that this work can cause, especially to the neighbors of the area who regularly transit through this area. However, he stressed that "the long-term benefits will be significant, since the improvement of the road will not only reduce travel times, but will also increase safety and accessibility, contributing to the economic development of Liébana and making this incredible place even more attractive."
In this regard, he stressed the importance of improving road safety in the implementation of this project. "The works have been designed to rectify dangerous curves, expand the road platform and improve drainage, signage and containment systems. This will result in safer driving, which is a priority for any road infrastructure project," said Gomez de Diego.
Record in public investment
In his speech, Gómez de Diego highlighted the investment commitment of the Spanish Government in Cantabria, stating: "We are on record investment figures. No government had invested as much money in Cantabria as the one presided over by Pedro Sánchez."
In this context, he has advanced that the works of the node of Sierrapando will come into operation in the first half of next year, and has recalled that the works of the third lane of the A-67 between Polanco and Santa Cruz de Bezana have already begun. In addition, High Speed is advancing “like never before” and the investment to renew “completely” the Commuter network will exceed more than 1,000 million euros.
In addition, he has mentioned other relevant actions, such as the Torrelavega underground, which is already being implemented, and the railway integration of Santander, which will begin next year with the construction of the new administrative building.
“These investments and projects reflect the firm commitment of the Government of Spain to the development and modernization of infrastructures in Cantabria, promoting not only the improvement of connections, but also economic growth, the generation of employment and the quality of life of its citizens,” he emphasized.
The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has made available to citizens a web page where you can see the cuts with alternative road traffic, the total cuts, as well as the estimated delay times (Works N621).