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The traffic flow of the Havana Bay Tunnel, in both directions, was restored this Saturday after maintenance that lasted more than 24 uninterrupted hours, although the reopening comes amid a history of recurring closures and increasing questions about the actual extent of the repairs.
Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, Minister of Transportation, announced through his profile on Facebook that the Provincial Road Safety Commission of the Cuban capital confirmed the completion of the works scheduled for this phase, although he clarified that “it will be necessary to continue working on a group of systems in the tunnel that ensure its stable operation.”
In a previous post, the headline shared information from the deputy minister of the sector, Luis Ladrón de Guevara, who reported that maintenance began at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, which included the clearing and cleaning of records at level 22.
"These tasks were complicated by the difficulty of working within those records and the significant accumulation of waste in the area. The use of special tools and high-pressure equipment was necessary," he noted.
The micro, small, and medium enterprise Navigo took on these tasks, which are considered complex by the ministry's management. Additionally, the patching of the interior of the tunnel with about 25 tons of asphalt was carried out, and progress was made on the repair and painting of arches, wings, and lighting fixtures, overseen by the micro, small, and medium enterprise EMCONAT.
The Electric Union worked on the outdoor lighting and green area teams carried out pruning in the surroundings. According to Ladrón de Guevara, there were no significant delays, and all safety and protection measures for the workers were maintained.
The tunnel, which sees daily traffic of about 32,000 vehicles, has been closed several times in recent years. In September 2024, it was shut down due to drainage collapse during Hurricane Helene, and it also underwent maintenance in January.
This new partial closure, initially announced from May 9 to May 11 in the Cabaña-Habana direction, was justified as part of the plan to ensure safe mobility and improve road infrastructure.
Nonetheless, the recurrence of these interruptions and comments on social media highlight the citizens' discontent. Drivers and residents question that the previous work has been superficial, focused on painting or minor repairs, without addressing the real structural issue: drainage.
Inaugurated in 1958, the Havana Bay Tunnel is one of the seven wonders of Cuban civil engineering and a symbol of the capital.
Its last major capital repair was completed in 2001 by the same French company that originally built it. Despite the repeated rehabilitation efforts, authorities acknowledge that it is aging infrastructure that requires ongoing interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Maintenance of the Havana Bay Tunnel
What work was done on the Havana Bay Tunnel?
The maintenance of the Havana Bay Tunnel included the clearing and cleaning of drains, asphalt patching, repair and painting of arches, ledges, and lighting fixtures. Additionally, work was done on exterior lighting and pruning of green areas. Despite these efforts, authorities acknowledge the need for continued intervention in the tunnel due to the wear on its infrastructure.
Why does the Havana Bay Tunnel close frequently?
The Havana Bay Tunnel frequently closes due to structural issues, especially related to drainage. Over the years, it has been necessary to implement closures for maintenance following situations such as drainage collapses or the accumulation of debris. The aging infrastructure requires ongoing interventions to ensure its stability and road safety.
What does the public think about the tunnel repairs?
Citizens have expressed their discontent, believing that the repairs are superficial and do not address the underlying structural problem, which is drainage. On social media, drivers and neighbors are questioning the effectiveness of the repairs, suggesting that they focus on aesthetic aspects like painting, while failing to resolve the critical issues that affect the functionality of the tunnel.
Which companies were involved in the maintenance of the tunnel?
The SMEs Navigo and EMCONAT participated in the maintenance of the tunnel. Navigo handled the more complex tasks, such as cleaning and unclogging the drainage systems, while EMCONAT worked on patching and painting the interior of the tunnel. The Electric Union also assisted in improving the exterior lighting.
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