- The Ministry of transport is upgrading energy efficiency in the Pilar de la Horadada tunnel on the AP-7 highway (km 770-774).
- Works include installing intelligent lighting control systems funded by a €3.5 million NextGenerationEU grant.
- Full closures of AP-7 lanes will take place from September 8 (Alicante side) and from September 22 (Cartagena side) until September 23, 6 pm.
- An alternate route via the N-332 road will be clearly signposted to keep traffic moving safely.
- These measures aim to improve tunnel safety and energy efficiency without compromising driver and worker safety.
Ongoing Tunnel Upgrade Projects on AP-7 at Pilar de la Horadada to Impact Traffic
The Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda (Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible) continues its commitment to improving energy efficiency and safety on Spain’s major transport corridors.Currently, notable works are underway at the tunnel of Pilar de la Horadada located on the AP-7 motorway between kilometer points 770 and 774, in the Alicante province.
This corridor, part of the busy Crevillente-Cartagena stretch of the AP-7, is undergoing technological upgrades consisting mainly of the installation of an intelligent lighting management system. The project, backed by a budget of €3.5 million,benefits from funding through the European Union’s NextGenerationEU recovery programme,under Spain’s Recovery,Change and Resilience Plan (PRTR).
What the Upgrades Entail
- Installation of smart lighting controls to optimize energy consumption inside the tunnel.
- Improvement of tunnel security through advanced control and safety systems.
- Complete closure of the AP-7 carriageway in stages to allow safe work access.
Traffic Restrictions and alternative Routes
To ensure the safety of both workers and drivers, strict traffic restrictions have been implemented:
| Date | Closure Details | location | Alternative Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2025 (from 00:00) | Complete closure of AP-7 carriageway | Direction Alicante (km 774 to km 770) | N-332 Road |
| September 22, 2025 (from 07:00) to September 23, 18:00 | Complete closure of AP-7 carriageway | Direction Cartagena (km 774 to km 770) | N-332 Road |
The N-332 road runs parallel to the AP-7 over this segment and will be clearly signposted to guide motorists through the affected area safely and efficiently.
Project Timeline and Budget
The current phase of works is scheduled to conclude by the evening of September 23, 2025. The timing is set to minimize disruption while ensuring the installation of the necessary high-tech control and safety systems inside the tunnel tubes.
Thanks to the €3.5 million investment drawn from the NextGenerationEU funds, the project aligns with broader European goals of advancing sustainable infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions by optimizing energy use in heavy traffic facilities.
Why This Matters
- Intelligent lighting reduces electricity consumption and operational costs in tunnels.
- Enhanced control systems improve driver safety, especially in confined tunnel environments.
- Temporary traffic management maintains road user safety and helps prevent accidents during construction.
- The project contributes to Spain’s commitments under the EU’s green transition agenda.
Authorities urge motorists to plan their journeys in advance and follow the indicated detours to avoid delays. this essential infrastructure upgrade will improve daily commutes for thousands of drivers along the AP-7 motorway and support long-term environmental and safety goals.
Keep Updated
For live traffic updates and detailed route details, check the Ministry of Transport’s official channels and local traffic news.
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