A visit to the control center of one of the most significant urban development projects carried out in the nation's capital in recent years
Between 2004 and 2007, Madrid undertook one of the most significant urban transformation projects in its history: the redevelopment of the M-30 ring road with the aim of enhancing the city as a hub for economic activity, culture, education, and leisure. The result was Madrid Calle 30, a modernised transport infrastructure, much of it placed underground through the construction of more than 50 kilometres of tunnels.
Ferrovial is part of EMESA, the consortium responsible for the operation, conservation, and maintenance of Madrid Calle 30’s infrastructure, as well as its surrounding areas, bridges, green spaces, and associated facilities.
Australia is also one of Ferrovial’s most important markets, particularly following its acquisition of the Australian company Broadspectrum in 2016. Among the company’s infrastructure projects in the country are Melbourne’s Western Roads Upgrade, sections of the Pacific Highway, and the transformation of a 40-kilometre stretch of Sydney’s M4 motorway into a smart motorway.
The Leaders were welcomed at the Madrid Calle 30 Tunnel Control Centre by Manuel Costa, Ferrovial’s Director of Institutional Affairs, and Salvador Urquía, Director of Infrastructure at Ferrovial Services. From this facility, operators monitor vehicle traffic and manage all the systems required to ensure the safe and efficient operation of infrastructure used by approximately 638 million people each year.
Following the presentation, the Leaders descended into one of the tunnels via a ventilation shaft and examined the auxiliary passageways, tunnel interconnections, and the lower service tunnel. To conclude the visit, the group toured Madrid Río, where they were able to see firsthand how a project of the scale and ambition of Madrid Calle 30 can transform an urban landscape and significantly improve the quality of life of its residents.
