A large rockslide that took place blocking the A-348 late last year caused havoc at the time and continues to be a problem, given the stability of the hillside.

The emergency work has a budget of 387,573 euros and so far 25% of the stabilising task has already been completed.

The rockslide took place on the 18th of December near kilometre-point 28.6, completely covering the tarmac (as seen in the accompanying photo).

Immediately, road-maintenace workers set to work clearing the rubble. whilst a single-lane track was put into use where the road opens, allowing light traffic to continue and eventually, as more of the tarmac was uncovered, for buses and lorries, too.

This road is the main Alpujarra access road where all the road widening and tunnelling work is taking place, giving access to Órgiva (via Lanjarón) from the A-44 at the Béznar junction, so it was very important for it to be reopened as soon as possible.

In order to stabilise the upper hillside they are using strong metal netting (triple-tension or hexagonal) sprayed with concrete to a depth of 20 cm and anchored into place with 10m rock bolts.

(News/Noticias: Orgiva, Alpujarra, Granada, Andalucia – Photo: Esther López)