Preserving the historical heritage by burying new constructions underground: the Segovia Bridge and the M-30 motorway tunnel in Madrid

Abstract

Purpose

This work aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fully preserving the historical heritage at the same time reordering the cities and their traffic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the sustainable solution designed for the landscape change required and to maintain the bridge integrity by excavating under the pier with the maintenance of traffic during its execution.

Findings

It is concluded that the elimination of urban motorways on the surface often leads to the excavation of tunnels under the existing buildings, with little coverage in most of them. This complicates the implementation of burials in cities with an important historical heritage, which must be given conservation priority in the choice of technical solutions.

Originality/value

The Segovia Bridge over the Manzanares River, the oldest bridge in Madrid, was built in the 16th century. With the burial of the M-30 motorway, it has been necessary to build a tunnel immediately under one of the bridge piers, practically without lining between the foundations and the upper slab of the tunnel.

Citation

Rosado García, M.J. and Crespo Delgado, D. (2024), "Preserving the historical heritage by burying new constructions underground: the Segovia Bridge and the M-30 motorway tunnel in Madrid", Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 14 No. 6, pp. 825-841. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHMSD-03-2022-0034