Túnel de Occidente, Transportation tunnel in Medellín, Colombia
The Túnel de Occidente is a transportation structure with two parallel tubes running through mountains to connect Medellín to western communities. The facility includes multiple passages between tubes and monitoring systems to oversee traffic flow and safety.
Construction began in 1999 and took eight years to complete, with the first tube opening to traffic in 2006. This project represented a major infrastructure milestone for the region.
The tunnel links Medellín's urban center to colonial towns in the west, making it easier for people to visit family, shop, and travel between different ways of living. This connection has changed how residents move between city and countryside.
The tunnel operates continuously for vehicle traffic and connects two major routes. Expect heavier traffic during rush hours, particularly in early morning and late afternoon when commuters are traveling.
The tunnel includes nine connecting passages between its two tubes, with dedicated routes for pedestrians and vehicles that allow traffic to be rerouted quickly if needed. These internal connections provide emergency access and help manage flow in unexpected situations.
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