AP-7 Tunnel to Reopen Towards Alicante on Wednesday, but Cartagena-Bound Lanes Remain Closed

The AP-7 tunnel is set to reopen towards Alicante on Wednesday, while lanes bound for Cartagena remain closed. Mud and stranded vehicles continue to pose a challenge as crews work to clear the tunnel. The N-332 serves as an alternative route for those heading to Cartagena. The flooding was caused by intense rain from Storm Adam, with up to 1.5 meters of water in some areas.

Around 13 people were trapped in seven vehicles, with many affected in the lanes towards Cartagena. Some occupants managed to escape through chest-high water, while others required assistance. The Guardia Civil, local police, and civil protection authorities helped those trapped. Most affected individuals were residents of Pilar de la Horadada, a couple returning from the airport, and others traveling to Zeneta and San Javier.

The tunnel, 794 meters long, has a history of flooding, with the most recent incident occurring shortly after the 2019 DANA storm. Ausur, the concessionaire, has plans to install a more effective drainage system, but the Cartagena-bound lanes will remain closed until debris and vehicles are removed. Local authorities and residents' representatives are considering improvements to the area's drainage system, citing urban development and land use changes as potential factors contributing to the flooding.