The Provincial Road Safety Commission of Havana has announced a temporary partial closure of the Bay Tunnel, specifically impacting traffic from Cabaña to Havana. This closure is scheduled for maintenance and conservation work from May 9 to 11, 2025. Beginning on Friday, May 9 at 9:00 a.m., the tunnel will remain closed until the completion of the work on Sunday, May 11.
According to the official statement shared on Facebook, these actions are aimed at ensuring safe mobility and enhancing road infrastructure. During this period, authorities will allow alternating traffic in the opposite direction (Havana-Cabaña) under the supervision of traffic officers to ease vehicle congestion. Nonetheless, motorists are advised to use alternate routes such as Vía Blanca, Avenida 26, Avenida Boyeros, Anillo del Puerto, Avenida del Puerto, and Malecón.
Approximately 32,000 vehicles travel through the tunnel daily, and it has experienced multiple closures in recent years. Notably, in September 2024, the tunnel was shut down for drainage work following severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, and prior to that, it underwent maintenance in January. These frequent disruptions have sparked frustration among drivers and city residents, who question the effectiveness of previous repairs.
Social media comments criticize past efforts as superficial, focusing mainly on cosmetic fixes like painting rather than addressing the core drainage issues. "The drainage system doesn't work, and all they did was slap on some paint. That was the extent of the repair," one user commented following the tunnel's latest flooding incident.
Constructed over 65 years ago, the Bay Tunnel stands as one of Havana's most iconic pieces of road infrastructure. Its last major overhaul took place in 2001, carried out by the same French company that originally built it. Despite continuous rehabilitation efforts, authorities acknowledge the tunnel's aging condition, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing interventions to ensure road safety.
Understanding the Bay Tunnel Maintenance in Havana
Why is the Bay Tunnel being partially closed?
The closure is due to scheduled maintenance and conservation work to ensure safe mobility and improve the road infrastructure.
How will traffic be managed during the closure?
Traffic will be alternated in the opposite direction (Havana-Cabaña) under the supervision of traffic officers. Alternative routes are also recommended.
What has been the public response to these closures?
Frequent closures have led to public frustration, with many questioning the effectiveness of previous repairs, citing them as superficial.