{"id":21020,"date":"2023-08-30T10:05:06","date_gmt":"2023-08-30T08:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.ptvgroup.com\/?p=21020"},"modified":"2025-07-17T13:42:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T11:42:21","slug":"ptv-technology-optimized-design-decisions-for-bilbao-subfluvial-tunnel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.ptvgroup.com\/en\/modeling-planning\/ptv-technology-optimized-design-decisions-for-bilbao-subfluvial-tunnel\/","title":{"rendered":"PTV Technology optimizes design decisions for Bilbao Subfluvial Tunnel"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To alleviate traffic congestion in the metropolitan area, the city of Bilbao in Spain has initiated a significant construction project: the development of a tunnel underneath the Nervi\u00f3n River at the Bilbao estuary. In the run-up to the project, planners have employed multimodal transport modeling and simulation to assist in designing the new subfluvial tunnel.<\/p>\n

Bilbao, the capital city of the Basque Bizkaia province in northern Spain, has emerged as a shining example of successful transformation from a heavily industrialized region to a thriving and attractive tourist destination. This remarkable growth and evolution have established Bilbao as a central hub for road transportation in Bizkaia and the wider Basque Country.<\/p>\n

The metropolitan area boasts a robust transportation infrastructure, comprising a well-developed road network and efficient public transport system. The public transport network features a metro system, connecting the city center to the surrounding conurbations on both sides of the river. It\u2019s the backbone of the public transport system, facilitating easy movement across the region.<\/p>\n

While the road network in Great Bilbao is extensive and advanced, its configuration is influenced by the geographical and urban characteristics of the area. As a result, certain weaknesses arise, particularly in specific sections of the arterial roads. These vulnerable sections have a significant impact on the overall road network. Any issues or problems occurring in these areas can disrupt the smooth flow of traffic and affect the entire network.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Foundation for decision-making<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”21029″ img_size=”500×500″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]One specific area of concern is the Rontegi Bridge, which serves as a critical route accommodating approximately 155,000 vehicles daily. In order to alleviate congestion on the bridge and enhance the overall transportation network, there are plans underway to construct a subfluvial tunnel beneath the Nervi\u00f3n River. This ambitious project required extensive preliminary studies to be conducted, focusing not only on the road network but also considering the metro network.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]The regional government of Bizkaia entrusted engineering consultancy Sostenibilidad y Transporte (SyT) with conducting a comprehensive traffic study to address various inquiries, including:<\/p>\n