Ayesa awarded supervision services of the Paseo Verde del Suroeste, one of the largest engineering works in Madrid

The City Council has awarded Lot 2, spanning from Batán and the Avenida de Portugal to the “Ayesa-Alauda-Icyfsa” joint venture (JV) with a budget exceeding 171 million euros.

This mega urban regeneration project includes the tunnelling of the existing A-5 ,significantly enhancing mobility while substantially reducing emissions.

Ayesa, a global leader in technology and engineering services, has been entrusted with supervising part of the underground works on the A-5, now underway in Madrid. This ambitious initiative, known as the Southwestern Green Walk, represents a €400 million investment by the City Council to enhance mobility and create sustainable urban spaces for the residents of the city’s southwest.

The project is centered on two key components: the construction of a 3.2-kilometer tunnel to bury the A-5, also known as Paseo de Extremadura, and the development of an extensive pedestrian and cycling zone. Once completed, the works are expected to reduce surface traffic and emissions by 90%. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The joint venture (UTE) of Ayesa (50%), Alauda Ingeniería (30%), and Icyfsa Ingeniería (20%) has been awarded one of the two project lots. The consortium will provide technical assistance for construction management, overseeing and monitoring the works in the Batán–Avenida de Portugal section of the Paseo Verde del Suroeste.

The current phase of the works focuses on connecting the new three-lane tunnel with the existing one on Avenida de Portugal and constructing a bidirectional bike lane that will link to Madrid Río. The investment for this phase exceeds €171 million.

The surface solution for the tunnel, known as the Paseo Verde del Suroeste, is hailed as one of Madrid’s most significant urban regeneration projects. It will reclaim over three kilometers of urban space, bridging the long-standing divide caused by the A-5 since 1968. This project will seamlessly connect the neighborhoods of Lucero, Aluche, and Las Águilas on one side with Campamento and Casa de Campo on the other. The scope includes the creation of a naturalised promenade that links Casa de Campo to the Puerta del Ángel area and Madrid Río.

“Given the scale of this project, the substantial budget, the impact on mobility during each phase, and the need to manage disruptions to key services such as utilities, transportation, and road access, our role in providing technical assistance is essential.” explains Álvaro Bravo, Head of Construction Supervision and Control.

In addition to reclaiming urban space for residents, this scheme will enhance road and public transport mobility, contributing to improved safety in the area.

Bravo further emphasizes, “Developing large-scale, intelligent, and sustainable infrastructure is central to Ayesa’s mission. These projects not only drive regional progress and competitiveness but also improve the quality of life for citizens.”

^{Recreation of the burying of the A-5 in the Paseo Verde del Suroeste (Image: Madrid City Council).}

BIM methodology

Innovation is a core aspect of this project. The control and monitoring of the work will be managed through collaborative processes and integrated information, all in line with the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology.

“Starting with the BIM models developed during the planning phase, these will evolve throughout the construction phase. This ensures that both the execution and control objectives are met, and that they provide a foundation for the project’s entire lifecycle,” explains the Head of Construction Supervision and Control at Ayesa.

In summary, the underground works on the A-5 represent a major undertaking that will transform one of Madrid’s key entry points. With a focus on reducing traffic and creating more sustainable spaces, this project promises significant improvements in both mobility and the quality of life for residents.