Letters from readers: Tunnels

I have read in LA GACETA (03/27) that the province will allocate $14 million to repair the tunnels on Mendoza and Córdoba streets. I take advantage of this space to reiterate that the two tunnels have threats, dangers and risks for those who pass through them. These risks are: 1) Ignorance of the concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) present, due to the exhaust gases emitted by passing vehicles. 2) In the design and calculation of the structures, fire resistance was not taken into account. If we add to this that: a) It is unknown what measures have been planned in case of traffic accidents (crash, collision, rollover, fire). b) That there is no control of the types of cargo that must circulate since they can be toxic, poisonous, dangerous, combustible, etc., with the dangers they represent. c) There are no emergency exits available, no escape routes, and no evacuation plan. d) Chemical powder extinguishers were installed, without taking into account the risks to which the people who use them would be exposed, if they were not previously trained in firefighting. The specialized bibliography says that the risks related to road tunnels belong to the type of low probability but with great consequences, so their control is essential. In addition, the tunnels have high-flow pumps in operation, which extract water from the groundwater table that exists on the site. The studies and measures that have been planned to prevent the extraction of the fluid from affecting the balance of the subsoil and the stability of the surrounding buildings and structures are unknown. For the above and taking into account road safety reasons, the Secretariat of Public Works and the Ministry should inform citizens of the details of the work that they plan to carry out and their objectives and how the present risks will be eliminated or controlled. Timely administratively, the authorities (Secretary of Public Works of the province, Ombudsman’s Office and the capital’s municipality) were informed of the risks and unsafe conditions mentioned, with negative results.