Tenerife Completes New Forest Viaduct to Bolster Wildfire Emergency Access

The Tenerife Island Council has completed a new wooden viaduct on the Caño Chingue forest track in San Juan de la Rambla. The project, which cost 324,000 euros, was designed to keep the Corona Forestal accessible and prevent the area from becoming isolated.

This work is a key part of the island’s emergency response strategy. Erosion at the bottom of the ravine had made the road unstable and dangerous, particularly at the Salto de las Palomas section. Because the natural ground could not be easily reinforced, engineers installed a prefabricated bridge. This solution allows heavy firefighting vehicles to cross the area safely and without restrictions.

The project was carried out by the public company Gesplan. The design includes concrete supports and access ramps built to blend into the forest environment. Blanca Pérez, the Island Councilor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, explained that the main goal is to ensure emergency teams can move quickly, which is vital for effective wildfire prevention.

The bridge has successfully passed all load tests, confirming it can support heavy machinery. By choosing this structure over more invasive construction methods, the Council has protected the local ecosystem while securing a vital route for forest management and public safety.