Breakthrough was achieved on November 2 of the top heading of Madeira’s longest road tunnel, the 3.1km long Encumeada Tunnel, with the remaining bench expected to break through late this month.
The tunnel is being built by contractor EPOS from the northern and southern portals and has a 70m2 profile that will accommodate two traffic lanes. Primary lining is being provided by two Aliva AL-500 shotcrete rigs to ensure rapid support and closure as the tunnel is being driven through variable ground ranging from hard basalt to weak tuff.
Secondary lining is scheduled to begin in January 2000 and has become a matter of some urgency. The government says it expects the lining to be finished by July 2000 and the tunnel to be operational by September.
The Encumeada Tunnel is part of a 15km long network of tunnels currently under construction to improve road and highway connections on the island. It will reduce the journey time from north to south of the island by 20 minutes.
