The Madrid City Council has approved a contract extension for the management and maintenance of the city's urban tunnels, which will begin on December 1 and last until March 31, 2027. The contract is valued at €4.9 million.
Madrid has a network of 40 urban tunnels, spanning a total length of 40.1 kilometers and covering an area of 432,178 square meters. This tunnel network is equipped with advanced technology to ensure user safety, including:
- 811 surveillance cameras
- 862 gas and fire sensors
- 388 emergency SOS posts
- 465 variable information panels
- 474 control traffic lights
- 726 ventilation systems
- 140 traffic flow measurement points
The tunnels are monitored and controlled from the AZCA Tunnel Control Center, which operates 24/7 throughout the year. The contract extension aims to maintain the tunnels, excluding those managed by Madrid Calle 30, ensuring compliance with regulations and performing necessary maintenance and repairs on structural elements, civil works, and control and communication systems.
Additionally, the contract includes ongoing surveillance and control tasks conducted from the AZCA Control Center, as well as the provision of two first-response teams to address any incidents occurring in the tunnels. The contract is supported by a dedicated team of over 110 professionals, including technicians, maintenance workers, and staff operating in the tunnels.
Since 2022, significant technological improvements have been implemented, including the establishment of a new redundant fiber optic communication network dedicated to tunnel safety, advancements in cybersecurity, and the upgrade of many cameras to advanced digital technology with some incorporating artificial intelligence. These enhancements have positioned Madrid as a leader in new safety systems.
Continuous training for personnel is a priority, and there is ongoing collaboration between tunnel maintenance services, firefighters, municipal police, emergency medical services (SAMUR-PC), and emergency response number 112. This collaboration is evident in regular drills involving over a hundred participants to improve coordination and preparedness for emergency protocols.
