Tunnel at RR 101 - Norte Tunnel

This tunnel, with 2100 m, is located o­n the Express Road from Machico to Faial. The Norte Tunnel, a 2 way tunnel, has a total width of 9.60 m, with two 1.00 m sidewalks and two 3.80 m lanes and includes three emergency parks which o­ne of them with an inversion gallery. The tunnel is o­n a volcanic complex of highly heterogeneous constitution mainly formed by a set of chaotic gross materials resulting from de projection of angular blocks, volcanic bombs and ashes, o­n a matrix of pyroclastic fine material. Layers of basaltic lava are present. The excavation was carried out by drill and blasting and by mechanical means (shovel and hydraulic hammer).

The primary support was performed with metallic ribs, shot concrete, metallic wire net and rock bolts, the definitive structure was o­n reinforced and not reinforced concrete lining. Infrastructures: Drainage; Fire extinguishing system; Ventilation; Lighting; Electrical installation; CO and fumes detection.

Assistance to Supervision