AP-7 motorway tunnels reopen after flooding in Alicante

The AP-7 motorway has fully reopened in both directions through Pilar de la Horadada following a four-day closure caused by torrential rains from Storm DANA Adam. The closure, which began Monday night, was triggered by intense rainfall that saw approximately 50 litres of rain fall per square metre in just over 45 minutes in the southern Vega Baja region.

The flooding trapped 13 people in their vehicles as water levels reached chest height in some areas. Emergency responders, including the Civil Guard, Local Police, and Civil Protection, successfully evacuated all individuals. The force of the floodwater was significant enough to shift several vehicles and leave some facing the opposite direction of travel.

While the Alicante-bound lanes resumed service earlier in the week, the Cartagena-bound lanes remained closed for additional cleaning and safety inspections due to heavy sediment buildup. Crews worked to clear mud and debris from the tunnels between kilometre markers 770 and 774 to ensure the safety of the transport route.