Urgent Repairs Commence on Tejina’s Compromised Retaining Wall

In a decisive move to address safety concerns, repairs are set to commence this Wednesday on a retaining wall in Tejina. The decision comes in response to alarming signs of instability that have prompted local authorities to take immediate action.

Financial Commitment to Safety

The La Laguna City Council has earmarked a substantial budget of €270,000 for the urgent repairs needed on the retaining wall situated along Camino de Arico. This financial commitment follows a comprehensive report from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which underscored the wall’s gradual deterioration as a result of increasing ground pressure.

Recent inspections have revealed visible cracks in the retaining wall, which serves as a crucial barrier between the roadway and a lower-level garden area. The situation is further exacerbated by the encroaching instability of the ground, which poses a potential threat to the foundations of nearby homes. Residents are understandably anxious about the implications of this structural compromise.

Emergency Response Initiated

Ángel Chinea, the Councillor for Public Works and Infrastructure, has stressed the urgency of the situation, declaring it an emergency as classified by the Local Government Board. The risk of collapse in two specific areas of the wall presents a significant danger not only to the immediate vicinity but also to the safety of residents and their properties.

A technical assessment conducted on December 9 revealed troubling signs, including the emergence of fissures in the asphalt of the road, which had previously undergone repairs. The reappearance and expansion of these fissures necessitated a thorough investigation of the retaining wall, leading to the discovery of fractures in two distinct sections attributed to ground pressure.

Comprehensive Repair Strategy

The planned repair work entails the demolition of approximately 30 and 20 linear meters of the two affected sections of the retaining wall, along with portions of the roadway. Following the demolition phase, new reinforced concrete walls will be constructed to enhance the structural integrity of the area. Additionally, the ground will be filled and compacted to restore stability and ensure safety for all.

Once the new walls are erected, the asphalt layer will be reinstated to restore the roadway to its original condition. To maintain safety during the repair process, the affected areas will be cordoned off, effectively preventing vehicle access and minimizing risks to the public.

Initially, the focus will be on the first section of the wall, allowing heavy vehicles to access the second section for repairs without causing significant traffic disruptions for the surrounding community. This phased approach aims to balance the urgency of the repairs with the need to maintain accessibility for residents and local traffic.

Key points

• Repairs on Camino de Arico in Tejina are set to begin this Wednesday.
• The project has a budget of €270,000.
• Visible cracks in the retaining wall have raised concerns about its stability.
• The wall is at risk of collapsing, threatening nearby homes.
• Emergency repairs were declared necessary by the Local Government Board.
• Demolition of sections of the wall and roadway will be part of the repair process.
• New reinforced concrete walls will be constructed to ensure safety.